Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, 90, has become an unexpected viral phenomenon courtesy to a social media video containing his 1983 song Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo, a lyric from the ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’.
On July 5, 2024, comedian Brain Jotter posted a social media sketch on Instagram that soon went viral, bringing this song to attention.
It has received 29.1 million views and over 30,000 comments on Instagram, as well as an astonishing 19.6 million views and over 23,000 comments on TikTok. The song’s popularity has sparked a social media fad, with over 7,000 Instagram reels and 29,000 TikTok postings featuring the song in the last week.
This song, which effectively employs the folklore characters of the tortoise (Mbe) and the elephant (Enyi) to convey ideas about knowledge and might, has received millions of views and spawned numerous recreations.
For many, this was their first experience with Ejeagha’s work, paving the way for further exploration of his six-decade-long discography. Here are five more Ejeagha songs that have won the hearts of many:
Ome ka agu omenani
Following the Nigerian Civil War, Ejeagha recorded this song to commemorate the Igbo people’s enduring spirit and connection. It became a popular hymn of resilience due to its positive message.
Uwa Ngebde Ka Mma
In this song, Ejeagha employs ancient Igbo wisdom to teach the youth the value of sensible life. The words encourage young people to make decisions that will lead to a comfortable and dignified elderly age.
Onye Uri Utaba
Here, Ejeagha narrates the heartbreaking story of a man pushed to thievery by poverty; the song is a moral lesson that dignity should never be given for survival, and it resonates powerfully in a country where many people confront similar dilemmas.
Enyi Ga Achi
This tune uses Igbo folklore to explore themes of friendship and devotion. Ejeagha’s storytelling shines as he explores what true friendship entails, drawing on local proverbs and lessons.
Onye Nwe Ona Ebe
This highlife song, which continues to be a crowd favorite, portrays the lively energy and collaborative spirit of Igbo gatherings. Its upbeat tempo and appealing lyrics make it tough not to dance to.