The iconic song “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” by Mike Ejeagha has ignited a viral dance challenge that is sweeping the internet.

The release of the iconic song “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” by the renowned musician ‘Gentleman’ Mike Ejeagha in 1983 marked a significant moment in the music industry. Little did he anticipate that this timeless piece, originally featured in the “Akuko Na Egwu” album, Volume 1, would ignite a viral dance challenge that has captivated social media platforms nearly four decades later.

Crafted in the Igbo language, the song narrates the tale of a cunning tortoise that cleverly exchanges an elephant for a princess it desired to marry, showcasing the tortoise’s shrewdness and resourcefulness.

Nevertheless, 41 years after the renowned Ejeagha, who is now in his 90s, released the popular track, it only required comedian Brain Jotter’s incorporation of the song in a dance move within one of his skits to introduce a viral aspect to the artistic work.

In the dance move, the comedian Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie pursues his friend to depict the manner in which the elephant chased the tortoise upon realizing its deception.

The "Gwo gwo gwo ngwo" sound effect in the song represented the heavy footsteps of the elephant as it pursued its friend, the tortoise.

In the dance move, two individuals facing each other from opposite directions converge at a designated point. At this juncture, they engage in a humorous leg dance, after which one individual pursues the other, prompting the chorus’s “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” section to resonate in the background.

Due to the widespread adoption of Brain Jotter’s music, a viral dance challenge has emerged on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. This challenge has significantly increased the popularity of the artist’s folklore-style song, “Onye Isi Oche,” garnering millions of views as users enthusiastically participate in the trend.

As of Sunday, July 21st, 2024, Brain Jotter’s dance videos utilizing the specified song have achieved significant popularity on TikTok.

The initial video has garnered an impressive 11.4 million views, while the subsequent video has accumulated an even more substantial 16.6 million views on the comedian's official page. Notably, these remarkable figures were achieved within approximately one week of the videos being posted. This trend is further evident on his Instagram page.

Challenge Taken

Prominent individuals from various backgrounds, including celebrities, religious leaders, students, and social media influencers, have enthusiastically participated in the challenge.

In a recent Instagram video posted by renowned football player Asisat Oshoala, the Super Falcons were observed performing the dance moves upon their arrival in Bordeaux, France, for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games.

More famous personalities are anticipated to join the trend in the upcoming days.

Despite the fact that the vocalist and his relatives have not yet made any statements regarding the social media craze sparked by Ejeagha, numerous internet users are coming together to honor the iconic folklorist. Brain Jotter is said to have offered a N2m cash prize for information on the singer's location.

Ejeagha, who was born in the early 1930s, is originally from Owa in the Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The lyricist possesses a unique compositional approach. His lyrics are instructive in nature, frequently incorporating Igbo proverbs, and are complemented by the accompaniment of his acoustic guitar.