Enugu govt honours ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo’ crooner Mike Ejeagha, names street after him

Forty years after he launched the world to his style of music, highlife folklore, legendary highlife singer Mike Ejeagha, whose 1983 hit not too long ago went viral because of skit maker Mind Jotter, is bountifully reaping the fruits of his labour.

The Enugu State Authorities has inaugurated 4 newly constructed and reconstructed roads in Abakpa Nike, together with the newly renamed Mike Ejeagha, previously Obinagu Street.

The street resulting in the legendary musician’s residence was rebuilt earlier within the yr in recognition of his contributions to the state’s cultural heritage.

The state governor, Peter Mbah, disclosed this on X on Monday.

The assertion learn, “It was a pleasure to go to our residing legend, Mike Ejeagha, and to fee 4 newly constructed and reconstructed roads in Abakpa Nike. In recognition of Mike Ejeagha’s immense contributions to the cultural heritage of Enugu State, now we have renamed Obinagu Street, resulting in his residence, and reconstructed it earlier within the yr to Mike Ejeagha Street.

“Enugu is a state wealthy in historical past, expertise, and tradition. We’ve to honour and have fun those that have formed our id. At this time, our authorities absolutely helps Mike Ejeagha, taking duty for his repairs as a part of our dedication to preserving the legacies of our Indigenous legends’’.

The governor additionally assured Abakpa and Enugu State residents that his authorities not too long ago awarded contracts for developing 141 roads and 20 rural roads, and Abakpa is undoubtedly included.

He mentioned: “Very quickly, we are going to begin the dualisation of Penocks Junction on the Enugu-Onitsha Street, extending to Opi-Nsukka. The contract has been awarded, and work will begin shortly. Our dedication to remodeling Enugu State is unwavering, with many extra roads and tasks underway to boost the lives of our individuals. Tomorrow Is Right here!”

Future could also be delayed, but it surely can’t be denied—an announcement that rings true for the legendary highlife singer Mike Ejeagha, whose 1983 hit not too long ago went viral, because of skit maker Chukwuebuka Amuzie, Mind Jotter.

Apparently, ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo’ is just not a track title; it’s the chorus in “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche,” a track on Ejeagha’s ‘Akuko Na Egwu’ Unique Vol. 1, a music album launched in 1983.

Renewed fame

Mike Ejeagha, a 92-year-old Igbo people singer, has not too long ago skilled a resurgence in fame because of the viral success of his 41-year-old track “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche.”

This renewed fame is much like the expertise of Obesere, whose track “Egungun Be Cautious” went viral 18 years after its preliminary launch. Ejeagha’s track tells the whimsical story of a tortoise tricking an elephant, and it has captivated a brand new era of listeners.

The track’s resurgence might be attributed to a viral dance problem by skit maker Mind Jotter. The problem entails dancers shifting their waists and doing legwork to the track’s beat. The video of the problem garnered thousands and thousands of views and sparked a development on TikTok. Because of the track’s renewed reputation, Ejeagha has acquired money presents and even a automotive from Mind Jotter.

The track’s resurgence has introduced consideration to Ejeagha’s contributions to Nigerian music, though just some individuals know the story behind the person and his music.

Ejeagha’s musical journey began throughout elementary faculty in Enugu State, the place he was born in August 1932. The influential guitarists Moses Aduba and Cyprian Uzochiawa ignited his ardour for music. Impressed by their artistry, Ejeagha established his band, “Mike Ejeagha and Merry-makers,” in 1950.

His rise to fame was propelled by his participation in radio programmes like “Guitar Playtime” and “Akuko n’egwu” (that means “storytelling in music”). By these platforms, he shared charming folktales and music that resonated deeply with audiences on account of their social and cultural significance.