Brain Jotter Clarifies No Profits from Viral ‘Gwo Gwo Ngwo’ Dance Challenge

Nigerian comedian and skitmaker Chukwuebuka Amuzie, popularly known as Brain Jotter, has addressed concerns about the use of Mike Ejeagha’s 1983 hit song “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” which has become the soundtrack to a viral dance challenge he initiated. Despite the song’s resurgence on social media, Brain Jotter has clarified that he is not financially benefiting from the trend.

The 41-year-old track by the 93-year-old folklore legend Mike Ejeagha has gained massive attention online, prompting discussions about copyright and revenue distribution. In response, Brain Jotter reassured fans and supporters that he respects the rights of the original artist. He emphasized that he is not profiting from the challenge and is committed to ensuring that Ejeagha receives the recognition and benefits due to him.

“For those who think we ripped him off or we’re making money from this whole thing, I understand your concerns and they are very valid,” Brain Jotter stated in a video he shared on Tuesday, following his visit to Ejeagha. “I appreciate the fact that you want him to get value for his hard work, which is very valid.”

Brain Jotter explained the monetization process on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, highlighting how revenue from the viral song is automatically directed to Mike Ejeagha’s record label and production company due to copyright mechanisms. “You cannot even monetize another person’s song because these platforms have copyright violation tools. If I post that video on YouTube, YouTube strikes it for copyright and they give the revenue to the actual owner, which is Mike Ejeagha,” he elaborated.

Additionally, he shared that the challenge had significantly boosted the song’s streams across various platforms, with all related revenues going to Ejeagha. Brain Jotter also revealed his personal contribution, stating that he gave Ejeagha two million naira from his own earnings, purely out of goodwill and respect for the artist.

“The two million I gave him was from my pocket. My hard-earned money is just for humanity and not for profit,” Brain Jotter clarified. “This whole thing is not for profit.”

He expressed his gratitude for the happiness the challenge has brought, emphasizing that the joy and recognition for Mike Ejeagha are the true rewards. “We got the reward, which is the joy in his heart now. The joy in his heart now is my profit,” Brain Jotter concluded.