How Brain Jotter ‘Revived’ Mike Ejeagha’s 1983 Hit Song – ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo’

In an unexpected twist of fate, a 40-year-old highlife classic by Mike Ejeagha has found new life in the age of social media, all thanks to Nigerian comedian and skit maker Brain Jotter. The song, titled “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche,” was released in 1983 as part of Ejeagha’s album Akuko N’Egwu Vol. 1. Known for its storytelling prowess, the song narrates an engaging Igbo folktale about a clever tortoise tricking an elephant to win a king’s daughter’s hand in marriage.

The track, while a staple among Igbo highlife lovers, had largely stayed under the radar of younger generations—until Brain Jotter decided to give it a humorous twist. On July 5, 2024, Brain Jotter shared a skit on Instagram featuring the iconic “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” chorus as the soundtrack to his quirky dance moves. The routine involves participants facing opposite directions, walking towards each other, meeting at a point for a funny leg dance, and then one person chasing the other, all synchronized to the song’s infectious rhythm.

This playful adaptation has sparked a viral sensation, drawing in millions of viewers across social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The original Instagram post alone garnered nearly a million likes within weeks, and TikTok saw over 16 million views and nearly 20,000 recreations of the challenge, including some by Nigerian celebrities. The resurgence has not only revived interest in Ejeagha’s work but also introduced Igbo highlife to a global audience unfamiliar with the genre’s rich cultural roots.

Brain Jotter’s influence in bringing back this classic has not gone unnoticed. The viral challenge highlights the power of social media in reviving and preserving cultural heritage through modern reinterpretation. Mike Ejeagha, often referred to as “Gentleman,” is now witnessing a resurgence in popularity, as his classic track finds new fans across the world.