Popular Nigerian comedian and skit maker, Chukwuebuka Amuzie, professionally known as Brain Jotter, has responded to viral reports regarding the potential exploitation of Mike Ejeagha’s 1983 hit song, ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo’. The song has recently gained renewed attention due to a trending dance challenge initiated by Brain Jotter.
According to the DAILY POST, the video of the dance challenge has garnered 29.1 million views and over 30,000 comments on Instagram, and 19.6 million views with over 23,000 comments on TikTok.
The widespread popularity of the challenge has brought 93-year-old Ejeagha and his song into the spotlight, leading to an outpouring of goodwill from netizens.
In response to the renewed interest, Brain Jotter offered Ejeagha N2 million, a gesture that some hailed as generous. However, others accused Brain Jotter of copyright infringement, suggesting that he profited from the song without proper authorization.
Addressing these accusations in a viral video on Tuesday, Brain Jotter said, “For those thinking we ripped him off or are making money from this whole thing, I understand your concerns and they are very valid. I appreciate the fact that you want him to get value for his hard work, which is very valid, and I want you to understand that you are doing something good.”
He emphasized that he did not profit from the song or the challenge.
“At the end of the day, no dime was made from this song by me, nothing like that. The N2 million I gave him was from my personal hard-earned money. I did that just for humanity and not for profit,” Brain Jotter explained.
The comedian’s response highlights his commitment to supporting Ejeagha and acknowledges the importance of respecting the work of past artists.
Despite the controversy, Brain Jotter’s gesture has been seen by many as a commendable act of kindness towards the veteran musician.
As the discussion continues, the renewed interest in Mike Ejeagha’s music serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Nigerian music and the importance of preserving and honouring the contributions of older generations.
