The old Igbo highlife song “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” by the legendary Gentleman Mike Ejeagha is enjoying a viral resurgence, all thanks to Brainjotter. From the album Enyi GA Achi, although it’s an old song, it has been revived with a fresh twist and flavor by today’s social media users, the Gen Z generation.
Lyrics excerpt:
Enyi na aga, gwo gwo gwo ngwo..
“Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” is an old Igbo folklore song that tells the tale of Enyi (elephant) and Mbe (tortoise). In this folklore, the clever and cunning tortoise deceives the mighty elephant and sells him to the king in exchange for marrying the princess. In Igbo folklore, the tortoise is often seen as a wise and cunning character. The song’s chorus, “enyi na aga, gwo gwo gwo ngwo,” is the tune the tortoise sings as he successfully deceived the elephant and leads him to the king, according to Sir Mike Ejeagha.
This song has sparked a viral dance challenge, initiated by popular Nigerian comedian Brainjotter, and it is has taking the social media by storm. Social media users are joining the challenge all over the world, grooving to the timeless rhythms of Ejeagha’s guitar and his proverbs-laced lyrics, proving that good music never dies but lives on for every generation. Mike Ejeagha, born on April 4th, 1930, in Enugu State, has been one of the pioneers of traditional Igbo music for over six decades alongside the likes of Osita Osadebe, Oriental Brothers and late Oliver De Coque. Known for his storytelling style, popularly called “Akuko Na egwu“, his songs are rich in folklore and wisdom. As he was once quoted saying, “Life at old age is quite enjoyable, especially when the Almighty God gives you good health.” With “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” Sir Mike Ejeagha’s musical legacy continues to inspire and entertain a new generation of listeners and dancers.
Mike Ejeagha gwo gwo gwo ngwo mp3 download.