Nigerian folklore music legend Gentleman Mike Ejeagha has become a social media sensation as his classic Igbo highlife song, “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” has inspired a viral dance challenge among content creators and celebrities worldwide.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the dance moves have turned into a widespread challenge, with numerous individuals creating their own versions.
The decades-old song has seen an impressive revival on TikTok and other social media platforms.
Its profound meaning and rich depiction of Igbo culture have struck a chord with today’s generation, making it go viral.
A global competition has emerged, where users display their creativity and talent with the song.
Social media users and celebrities are increasingly joining in on the “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” dance trend.
Super Falcons star and FC Bayern footballer Asisat Oshoala, along with some of her teammates, shared an Instagram post of themselves performing the dance moves after arriving in Bordeaux ahead of the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.
Ex-Big Brother Naija housemate and actor Tobi Bakre, along with his wife, also joined the dance challenge.
Many other celebrities, including Nollywood actors, dancers, comedians, entertainers, and content creators, have embraced the latest dance trend as well.
According to NAN, this unexpected surge in popularity has brought renewed attention to Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s 41-year-old song.
Mike Ejeagha who is 93 years old, released the song in 1983.
The song is a captivating Igbo folklore tune that tells the story of Enyi (the elephant) and Mbe (the tortoise).
In this tale, the clever tortoise outwits the mighty elephant and sells him to the king, thereby winning the princess’s hand in marriage.
In Igbo folklore, the tortoise frequently appears as a clever and cunning character. The song’s memorable chorus, “Enyi Na Aga, Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” highlights the tortoise’s successful trickery as he brings the Elephant to the king.
NAN also reports that Nigerians are honoring Mike Ejeagha by visiting his home and presenting him with cash gifts.
There are unverified reports that Brain Jotter has gifted him both money and a car.
Furthermore, Brain Jotter’s skit has become his most-watched video on Instagram, racking up an impressive four million likes and 500,000 comments.
This trend has not only brought Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music to a new audience but also solidified his status as a trailblazer in Nigerian folklore music.
