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The song was a hit for several years. Thanks to comedian and skit maker, Brian Jotter, who used the song in a viral skit on social media, nobody could have predicted that 41 years later, it would become trending. The story “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” literally translates to “How the head of the throne was sold.” It tells of a princess who hesitates to get married. She insists she will only marry a suitor who presents an elephant (“Enyi” in Igbo) as a gift. In the story, Mike Ejeagha portrays the tortoise as cunning, deceiving the elephant into believing that he is the head or chairman of an occasion organized by the king.
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On the day of the event, the tortoise intentionally arrived late at the elephant’s house. Feeling anxious about being late, the elephant decided to accompany the tortoise to the event. Upon arriving at the palace, the tortoise pretended to have brought the gift the princess requested. Thus, Mike Ejeagha notes this story emphasizes the importance of being cautious about the company one keeps. Undoubtedly, Mike Ejeagha is the greatest folklorist in the history of Igbo Land. Other hit songs exist. “Onye Ori Utaba”, “Elulube Lube”, “Enyi Ga Achi”, and more are some of his hit outputs. His stories are in the Igbo language, and more importantly, they teach real-life lessons and guide Nigerians mostly of Igbo heritage in their daily dealings with people.
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The legendary Mike Ejeagha is an example to follow, especially for 21st-century Nigerian musicians. Additionally, artists should strive to create music that has a positive impact on society. Who knows, in another 50 years, when they are no longer in the spotlight like Ejeagha, their music could become influential. Mike Ejeagha is a perfect definition of “Legends Never Die.”
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