| "Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Mike Ejeagha | |
| from the album Akuko N'Egwu Vol. 1 | |
| Released | 1983 |
| Genre | Igbo Highlife |
| Songwriter(s) | Mike Ejeagha |
"Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche" (English: "How the Chairman was sold") [1] is an Igbo highlife song by Nigerian musician Mike Ejeagha. Released in 1983 as part of his album Akuko N'Egwu Vol. 1, the song gained widespread recognition in 2024 due to a viral dance challenge inspired by comedian Brain Jotter. The song's catchy melody and relatable lyrics, which tell a folktale about a cunning tortoise and a powerful elephant, have resonated with audiences of different ages. The resurgence of the song has brought renewed attention to Mike Ejeagha's contributions to Nigerian music.
Mike Ejeagha, often referred to as "Gentleman Mike Ejeagha," is a prominent figure in the Nigerian music landscape, particularly renowned for his contributions to the highlife genre. [2] [3] [4] Born in the early 1930s in Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ejeagha's musical journey spans decades, establishing him as a pioneer of the Igbo highlife sound. [4]
Ejeagha's music is characterised by its unique blend of traditional Igbo rhythms and melodies with Western musical influences. His lyrics often draw inspiration from Igbo folklore and proverbs, making his songs both entertaining and culturally significant. This distinctive style has earned him a dedicated following and solidified his status as a revered figure in Nigerian music. [5]
While Ejeagha's career has spanned several decades, it was the song "Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche" that experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity in 2024. [6]
"Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche" is a captivating example of Igbo highlife music, characterised by its rhythmic instrumentation and storytelling lyrics. [3] [4] The song's narrative unfolds a classic Igbo folktale centered around the cleverness of the tortoise, Mbe, and the might of the elephant, Enyi. [3]
Ejeagha's masterful storytelling is complemented by the song's infectious rhythm and melody, creating a captivating listening experience. The lyrics, rich in Igbo cultural references and poetic expressions, have resonated with audiences across generations. The song's chorus, featuring the repetitive phrase "Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo," is particularly memorable and has become synonymous with the dance challenge that propelled the song back into the spotlight. [7]
The resurgence of "Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche" can be largely attributed to a viral dance challenge that swept across social media platforms in 2024. [8] [2] [3] [4]
The trend was ignited by Nigerian comedian Brain Jotter, who incorporated the song into one of his skits. The dance routine involves two people facing each other, then walking towards one another before engaging in a series of comical leg movements. The chorus of the song, featuring the repetitive "Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo," provides the rhythmic backdrop for the dance. [4]
The challenge quickly gained momentum, with millions of people participating and sharing their own versions on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. The dance craze extended beyond ordinary users, with celebrities, athletes, and public figures joining in the fun. [3]
- ^ Ugo, Chima Joseph (2024-07-20). "Highlife Revival: Vintage Track "Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche" Takes Over Social Media". Prime 9ja Online. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ a b "Igbo highlife song, "Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo", enjoys viral resurgence". News Agency of Nigeria. 2024-07-21. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ a b c d e "After 41 years, Mike Ejeagha's classic "Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo" sparks viral dance challenge". Vanguard News. 2024-07-21. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ a b c d e Egobiambu, Emmanuel (2024-07-21). "Mike Ejeagha's Classic 'Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche' Sparks Viral Dance Challenge". Channels Television. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ Onwuegbuna, Ikenna Emmanuel (2015-03-01). "Philosophical Embodiments in Igbo Music: An Analysis of Mike Ejeagha's "Popular" Folk Songs Style". SAGE Open. 5 (1): 215824401556966. doi: 10.1177/2158244015569667. ISSN 2158-2440.
- ^ Fasan, Yewande (2024-07-21). "Mike Ejeagha overwhelmed as song trends 41 years after release". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ Oshunloye, Taiwo (2024-07-21). "Brain Jotter offers to gift 'Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo' singer Mike Ejeagha N2m". TheCable Lifestyle. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ Oshunloye, Taiwo (2024-07-21). "'Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo': How Brain Jotter 'revived' Mike Ejeagha's 1983 hit song". TheCable Lifestyle. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
| "Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Mike Ejeagha | |
| from the album Akuko N'Egwu Vol. 1 | |
| Released | 1983 |
| Genre | Igbo Highlife |
| Songwriter(s) | Mike Ejeagha |
"Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche" (English: "How the Chairman was sold") [1] is an Igbo highlife song by Nigerian musician Mike Ejeagha. Released in 1983 as part of his album Akuko N'Egwu Vol. 1, the song gained widespread recognition in 2024 due to a viral dance challenge inspired by comedian Brain Jotter. The song's catchy melody and relatable lyrics, which tell a folktale about a cunning tortoise and a powerful elephant, have resonated with audiences of different ages. The resurgence of the song has brought renewed attention to Mike Ejeagha's contributions to Nigerian music.
Mike Ejeagha, often referred to as "Gentleman Mike Ejeagha," is a prominent figure in the Nigerian music landscape, particularly renowned for his contributions to the highlife genre. [2] [3] [4] Born in the early 1930s in Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ejeagha's musical journey spans decades, establishing him as a pioneer of the Igbo highlife sound. [4]
Ejeagha's music is characterised by its unique blend of traditional Igbo rhythms and melodies with Western musical influences. His lyrics often draw inspiration from Igbo folklore and proverbs, making his songs both entertaining and culturally significant. This distinctive style has earned him a dedicated following and solidified his status as a revered figure in Nigerian music. [5]
While Ejeagha's career has spanned several decades, it was the song "Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche" that experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity in 2024. [6]
"Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche" is a captivating example of Igbo highlife music, characterised by its rhythmic instrumentation and storytelling lyrics. [3] [4] The song's narrative unfolds a classic Igbo folktale centered around the cleverness of the tortoise, Mbe, and the might of the elephant, Enyi. [3]
Ejeagha's masterful storytelling is complemented by the song's infectious rhythm and melody, creating a captivating listening experience. The lyrics, rich in Igbo cultural references and poetic expressions, have resonated with audiences across generations. The song's chorus, featuring the repetitive phrase "Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo," is particularly memorable and has become synonymous with the dance challenge that propelled the song back into the spotlight. [7]
The resurgence of "Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche" can be largely attributed to a viral dance challenge that swept across social media platforms in 2024. [8] [2] [3] [4]
The trend was ignited by Nigerian comedian Brain Jotter, who incorporated the song into one of his skits. The dance routine involves two people facing each other, then walking towards one another before engaging in a series of comical leg movements. The chorus of the song, featuring the repetitive "Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo," provides the rhythmic backdrop for the dance. [4]
The challenge quickly gained momentum, with millions of people participating and sharing their own versions on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. The dance craze extended beyond ordinary users, with celebrities, athletes, and public figures joining in the fun. [3]
- ^ Ugo, Chima Joseph (2024-07-20). "Highlife Revival: Vintage Track "Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche" Takes Over Social Media". Prime 9ja Online. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ a b "Igbo highlife song, "Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo", enjoys viral resurgence". News Agency of Nigeria. 2024-07-21. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ a b c d e "After 41 years, Mike Ejeagha's classic "Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo" sparks viral dance challenge". Vanguard News. 2024-07-21. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ a b c d e Egobiambu, Emmanuel (2024-07-21). "Mike Ejeagha's Classic 'Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche' Sparks Viral Dance Challenge". Channels Television. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ Onwuegbuna, Ikenna Emmanuel (2015-03-01). "Philosophical Embodiments in Igbo Music: An Analysis of Mike Ejeagha's "Popular" Folk Songs Style". SAGE Open. 5 (1): 215824401556966. doi: 10.1177/2158244015569667. ISSN 2158-2440.
- ^ Fasan, Yewande (2024-07-21). "Mike Ejeagha overwhelmed as song trends 41 years after release". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ Oshunloye, Taiwo (2024-07-21). "Brain Jotter offers to gift 'Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo' singer Mike Ejeagha N2m". TheCable Lifestyle. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ Oshunloye, Taiwo (2024-07-21). "'Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo': How Brain Jotter 'revived' Mike Ejeagha's 1983 hit song". TheCable Lifestyle. Retrieved 2024-07-22.