Comedian Chukwuebuka Emmanuel, popularly known as Brain Jotter, has paid tribute to legendary highlife musician Mike Ejeagha, whose 1983 track ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’ recently resurfaced as a viral sensation across social media.
Ejeagha, widely celebrated for his proverbs-laced storytelling style, died on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 95.
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Brain Jotter shared a video of the late artist with the caption:
“39 years ago, he made magic. 39 years later, we danced to it again. Now, he rests, but his melody lives forever. Rest in peace, legend.”
Before Ejeagha’s passing, the comedian had visited the musician at his Enugu home in July 2024, following the viral success of his skit featuring Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche.
The skit breathed new life into the decades-old track, captivating millions of viewers and introducing Ejeagha’s work to a new generation.
The encounter moved the veteran musician to tears as he witnessed his legacy being revived.
“Thank you for bringing back my father’s legacy,” Ejeagha’s son said during the visit.
“In over 30 years, this is the most attention his music has received.”
Brain Jotter and his team also presented a ₦2 million donation to the family as a token of appreciation and support.
Tributes poured in nationwide following the news of Ejeagha’s death. President Bola Tinubu led national mourning.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Ejeagha as “one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language.”
“Mike Ejeagha used his music and distinctive storytelling style to preserve and project Igbo culture and customs, inspiring generations.”
“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal, and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” Tinubu said.
He also applauded Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for recognising the legend during his lifetime by renaming a key road in Abakpa Nike as Chief Mike Ejeagha Road.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also paid tribute, stating:
“It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn. Rest in music, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.”
Labour Party’s Peter Obi called Ejeagha “a cultural custodian”, adding:
“His transition marks the end of an era, but not the end of his voice — his songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth. His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old.”
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah echoed the sentiment, describing the icon as “a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State.”
“His death leaves a huge void that will be difficult to fill,” Mbah said, promising further steps to immortalise Ejeagha’s contributions.
Originally released in 1983 as part of the Akuko Na Egwu Vol. 1 album, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche tells the folktale of a cunning tortoise who tricks an elephant to win a princess’s hand in marriage.
In Brain Jotter’s skit, a comedic reenactment of the elephant chasing the tortoise, set to the iconic “Gwo gwo gwo ngwo” chorus, sparked a viral dance challenge.
The challenge quickly dominated TikTok and Instagram, racking up more than 28 million views in just a week.
In the trend, two dancers perform a quirky leg shuffle before one bolts and the other gives chase — a nod to the song’s storytelling roots.
The dance captivated people from all walks of life, including celebrities, schoolchildren, clergy, and even the Super Falcons.
It eventually reached international audiences, with dancers around the world joining in.
Born in the early 1930s in Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ejeagha was more than a musician, he was a moral teacher, historian, and cultural archivist.
His acoustic guitar-driven music carried deep messages about life, integrity, and wisdom, and he remained a household name in Igbo highlife for decades.
Mike Ejeagha may have taken his final bow, but as Brain Jotter wrote:
“His melody lives forever.”
