What is the “Gwo Gwo Ngwo” trend about?

Mike Ejeagha’s 41-year-old classic track, “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche,” tells a whimsical tale of a tortoise tricking an elephant into believing he was appointed festival chairman. This tale has captivated a new generation.

The song narrates how the tortoise tricked an elephant into believing he was appointed festival chairman.

The story goes that once upon a time in the animal kingdom, the elephant offended the king. The king declared that anyone who could capture the elephant would marry his daughter.

Despite the enticing reward, everyone was scared because of the elephant’s enormous size. However, the tortoise confidently told the king that he would bring the elephant despite his small stature.

While others were fearful, the tortoise boasted that he would lead the elephant to the palace with a rope. The elephant, unaware of the bounty on his head, was approached by the clever tortoise.

The tortoise told him that the king had recognised his good deeds and wanted to reward him with a chieftaincy title, making him the festival’s chairman.

Excited by the news, the elephant agreed to go to the palace with the tortoise.

As they made their way to the palace, the tortoise, lagging behind the faster elephant, suggested, “Since you’re bigger and quicker, let’s enter the palace together. Tie a rope around your neck so I can follow right behind you.” The elephant agreed, and they continued on their journey.

However, as they neared the palace, the tortoise realised their arrangement might need more convincing. He pleaded with the elephant, “If I follow behind, I might slow you down. Please, let me ride on your back.” The innocent elephant agreed.

When they entered the palace, the entire village was astonished to see the tortoise riding the elephant with a rope around the elephant’s neck. The king was equally amazed and hailed the Tortoise, exclaiming, “Gwo Gwo Ngwo! Chairman!”

Surprising as it may be, ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo’ is not a song title; it is the refrain in “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche,” a song on Ejeagha’s Akuko Na Egwu Original Vol. 1, a music album he released in 1983.

Brain Jotter’s initial Instagram video, posted on 5th July, showcased a unique dance involving participants facing opposite directions, performing a comical leg dance, and chasing each other to the chorus “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo.”

The video garnered millions of views and sparked a viral TikTok trend. The dance involves two people facing each other, walking towards one another before engaging in a comic dance step.

The challenge has attracted a wide range of participants, including celebrities. Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala and her teammates were seen performing the dance moves in Bordeaux before the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Tobi Bakre joined the trend with his wife.

Other celebrities including Sabinus, Crazeclown, and Ade, among others, have also jumped on the trend.

The unexpected resurgence of “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” has not only introduced Ejeagha’s music to a new audience but also cemented his legacy as one of the pioneers of Nigerian folklore music.