The Resurgence of “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo”: A Tale of Timeless Tunes and Viral Challenges

In a surprising turn of events, a song released over four decades ago by Nigerian folklore music legend, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, has taken social media by storm. The timeless highlife tune, “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” has sparked a viral dance challenge among content creators and celebrities worldwide.

The song narrates the enchanting Igbo folklore tale of Enyi (the elephant) and Mbe (the tortoise). In this story, the cunning tortoise outsmarts the powerful elephant and sells him to the king, securing the hand of the princess in marriage. The song’s catchy chorus, “Enyi Na Aga, Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” reflects the tortoise’s triumphant deceit as he leads the Elephant to the king.

The dance moves associated with the song have become a challenge, with many people creating their versions after popular comedian and content creator, Brain Jotter, pioneered the challenge. The challenge has even reached the Nigerian national women’s football team, the Super Falcons, with star player Asisat Oshoala and her teammates making the dance moves after touching down in Bordeaux before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics.

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, now 93 years old, released the song in 1983. The unexpected boost from the viral challenge has brought his 41-year-old song back into the spotlight. As a result, Ejeagha has been receiving cash gifts from well-meaning Nigerians, including Brain Jotter, who gifted him a substantial amount.

The resurgence of “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” serves as a testament to the power of social media and the enduring appeal of classic tunes. It also highlights the ability of modern challenges and trends to breathe new life into timeless songs, introducing them to new generations and audiences.