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Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche
Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche
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The memorable “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” narrates a classic Igbo folktale about the cleverness of the tortoise and the strength of the elephant. The lyrics are delivered in Igbo and rich in cultural references.

Lyrics
Click on a highlighted line to view an annotation! 👇👇👇

<input type="checkbox" id=toggle1><label for=toggle1><span class="annotate-lyric"> Nna m Eze akpota m Enyi<br/>Nna m Eze akpota m Enyi <br/></span></label><div id=content1 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This directly translates to "My father the king has brought me an elephant." "Eze" means "king" in Igbo and "Enyi" refers to an "elephant." In Igbo culture, an elephant symbolizes power and nobility. The phrase can be interpreted as a way of saying that something powerful or significant has been brought by a figure of authority (in this case, it is the king).  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle2><label for=toggle2><span class="annotate-lyric"> Nwa mbe isi n'ikpota onye<br/>Nwa mbe isi n'ikpota onye <br/></span></label><div id=content2 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This means "The tortoise’s head is bringing someone." Tortoise in Igbo is "Nwa mbe." In Igbo folklore, tortoises are popularly known for their cunningness and wisdom. This could mean that the person being referred to is being influenced by wisdom or cleverness. </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle3><label for=toggle3><span class="annotate-lyric"> Asi m Ani ya dube Enyi chebe Enyi O dika Asi na kpota m Enyi<br/>Asi m Ani ya dube Enyi chebe Enyi O dika Asi na kpota m Enyi <br/></span></label><div id=content3 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> He told the land to lead and protect the elephant as if he brought the elephant. In a sense, Gentleman Mike is invoking the land (Ani) to guide and protect something valuable and powerful, that is, the elephant. In Igbo culture, the people are deeply connected to their land as the land is seen as a living entity capable of offering protection </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle4><label for=toggle4><span class="annotate-lyric"> Akwa Enyi Ga-abu isi oche<br/>Akwa Enyi Ga-abu isi oche <br/></span></label><div id=content4 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This directly translates to "The elephant's cloth will be the head of the chair." This is a metaphor for something of great significance being placed in a position of leadership ("head of the chair"). In the culture, clothing and symbols associated with the elephant could represent power. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle5><label for=toggle5><span class="annotate-lyric"> Enyi na-aga n'anyo so gi na-azu<br/>Enyi na-aga n'anyo so gi na-azu <br/></span></label><div id=content5 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This means that "The Elephant is following you closely behind." This could mean that power and protection (which are symbolized by the elephant) are close by, supporting and trailing the person wherever they go. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle6><label for=toggle6><span class="annotate-lyric"> N'asi m Ani ya duve Enyi Chebe Enyi O dika Asi na akpota m Enyi<br/>N'asi m Ani ya duve Enyi Chebe Enyi O dika Asi na akpota m Enyi <br/></span></label><div id=content6 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> He told the land to lead and protect the elephant as if he brought the elephant. In a sense, Gentleman Mike is invoking the land (Ani) to guide and protect something valuable and powerful, that is, the elephant. In Igbo culture, the people are deeply connected to their land as the land is seen as a living entity capable of offering protection </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle7><label for=toggle7><span class="annotate-lyric"> Akwa Enyi Ga-abu isi oche<br/>Akwa Enyi Ga-abu isi oche <br/></span></label><div id=content7 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This directly translates to "The elephant's cloth will be the head of the chair." This is a metaphor for something of great significance being placed in a position of leadership ("head of the chair"). In the culture, clothing and symbols associated with the elephant could represent power. </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle8><label for=toggle8><span class="annotate-lyric"> Akwa Enyi Ga-abu isi oche<br/>Akwa Enyi Ga-abu isi oche <br/></span></label><div id=content8 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This seems like an onomatopoeic expression, possibly mimicking the sound of something heavy or significant (like an elephant) moving and stomping on the ground. It represents power and presence </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle9><label for=toggle9><span class="annotate-lyric"> Enyi na-aga n anyi sdo gi na-azu<br/>Enyi na-aga n anyi sdo gi na-azu <br/></span></label><div id=content9 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This means that "The Elephant is following you closely behind." This could mean that power and protection (which are symbolized by the elephant) are close by, supporting and trailing the person wherever they go. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle10><label for=toggle10><span class="annotate-lyric"> N'asi m Ani ya duve Enyi Chebe Enyi O dika Asi na akpota m Enyi<br/>N'asi m Ani ya duve Enyi Chebe Enyi O dika Asi na akpota m Enyi <br/></span></label><div id=content10 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> He told the land to lead and protect the elephant as if he brought the elephant. In a sense, Gentleman Mike is invoking the land (Ani) to guide and protect something valuable and powerful, that is, the elephant. In Igbo culture, the people are deeply connected to their land as the land is seen as a living entity capable of offering protection </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle11><label for=toggle11><span class="annotate-lyric"> Akwa Enyi Ga-abu isi oche<br/>Akwa Enyi Ga-abu isi oche <br/></span></label><div id=content11 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This directly translates to "The elephant's cloth will be the head of the chair." This is a metaphor for something of great significance being placed in a position of leadership ("head of the chair"). In the culture, clothing and symbols associated with the elephant could represent power. </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle12><label for=toggle12><span class="annotate-lyric"> Enyi na-aga n'anyi so gi na-azu<br/>Enyi na-aga n'anyi so gi na-azu <br/></span></label><div id=content12 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This means that "The Elephant is following you closely behind." This could mean that power and protection (which are symbolized by the elephant) are close by, supporting and trailing the person wherever they go. </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle13><label for=toggle13><span class="annotate-lyric"> Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m <br/>Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m <br/>Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m <br/>Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m  <br/></span></label><div id=content13 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This seems like an onomatopoeic expression, possibly mimicking the sound of something heavy or significant (like an elephant) moving and stomping on the ground. It represents power and presence </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle14><label for=toggle14><span class="annotate-lyric"> Ige nti <br/></span></label><div id=content14 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> Gentleman Mike asks listeners to listen carefully, emphasizing the importance of what is being said </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle15><label for=toggle15><span class="annotate-lyric"> Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m  <br/></span></label><div id=content15 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This seems like an onomatopoeic expression, possibly mimicking the sound of something heavy or significant (like an elephant) moving and stomping on the ground. It represents power and presence </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle16><label for=toggle16><span class="annotate-lyric"> I Ga-anu ka-esi Lee onye isi oche <br/></span></label><div id=content16 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> Someone in authority (chairman) is about to say something important </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle17><label for=toggle17><span class="annotate-lyric"> Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m  <br/></span></label><div id=content17 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This seems like an onomatopoeic expression, possibly mimicking the sound of something heavy or significant (like an elephant) moving and stomping on the ground. It represents power and presence </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle18><label for=toggle18><span class="annotate-lyric"> Nke Ana-akpo "chairman" <br/></span></label><div id=content18 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> The one called chairman  </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle19><label for=toggle19><span class="annotate-lyric"> Enyi na-aga n'anyi so gi na-azu<br/>Enyi na-aga n'anyi so gi na-azu <br/></span></label><div id=content19 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This means that "The Elephant is following you closely behind." This could mean that power and protection (which are symbolized by the elephant) are close by, supporting and trailing the person wherever they go. </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle20><label for=toggle20><span class="annotate-lyric"> Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m <br/>Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m <br/>Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m <br/>Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m  <br/></span></label><div id=content20 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This seems like an onomatopoeic expression, possibly mimicking the sound of something heavy or significant (like an elephant) moving and stomping on the ground. It represents power and presence </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle21><label for=toggle21><span class="annotate-lyric"> Ige nti <br/></span></label><div id=content21 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> Gentleman Mike asks listeners to listen carefully, emphasizing the importance of what is being said </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle22><label for=toggle22><span class="annotate-lyric"> Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m  <br/></span></label><div id=content22 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This seems like an onomatopoeic expression, possibly mimicking the sound of something heavy or significant (like an elephant) moving and stomping on the ground. It represents power and presence </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle23><label for=toggle23><span class="annotate-lyric"> I Ga-anu ka-esi Lee onye isi oche <br/></span></label><div id=content23 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> Someone in authority (chairman) is about to say something important </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle24><label for=toggle24><span class="annotate-lyric"> Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m  <br/></span></label><div id=content24 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This seems like an onomatopoeic expression, possibly mimicking the sound of something heavy or significant (like an elephant) moving and stomping on the ground. It represents power and presence </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle25><label for=toggle25><span class="annotate-lyric"> Nke Ana-akpo "chairman" <br/></span></label><div id=content25 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> The one called chairman  </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle26><label for=toggle26><span class="annotate-lyric"> Gwo gwo gwo NGwo   <br/></span></label><div id=content26 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This seems like an onomatopoeic expression, possibly mimicking the sound of something heavy or significant (like an elephant) moving and stomping on the ground. It represents power and presence </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle27><label for=toggle27><span class="annotate-lyric"> Nna m Eze akpota m Enyi<br/>Nna m Eze akpota m Enyi <br/></span></label><div id=content27 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This directly translates to "My father the king has brought me an elephant." "Eze" means "king" in Igbo and "Enyi" refers to an "elephant." In Igbo culture, an elephant symbolizes power and nobility. The phrase can be interpreted as a way of saying that something powerful or significant has been brought by a figure of authority (in this case, it is the king).  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle28><label for=toggle28><span class="annotate-lyric"> Nwa mbe isi n'ikpota onye<br/>Nwa mbe isi n'ikpota onye <br/></span></label><div id=content28 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This means "The tortoise’s head is bringing someone." Tortoise in Igbo is "Nwa mbe." In Igbo folklore, tortoises are popularly known for their cunningness and wisdom. This could mean that the person being referred to is being influenced by wisdom or cleverness. </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle29><label for=toggle29><span class="annotate-lyric"> Asi m Ani ya dube Enyi chebe Enyi O dika Asi na akpota m Enyi<br/>Asi m Ani ya dube Enyi chebe Enyi O dika Asi na akpota m Enyi <br/></span></label><div id=content29 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> He told the land to lead and protect the elephant as if he brought the elephant. In a sense, Gentleman Mike is invoking the land (Ani) to guide and protect something valuable and powerful, that is, the elephant. In Igbo culture, the people are deeply connected to their land as the land is seen as a living entity capable of offering protection </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle30><label for=toggle30><span class="annotate-lyric"> Akwa Enyi Ga-abu isi oche<br/>Akwa Enyi Ga-abu isi oche <br/></span></label><div id=content30 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This directly translates to "The elephant's cloth will be the head of the chair." This is a metaphor for something of great significance being placed in a position of leadership ("head of the chair"). In the culture, clothing and symbols associated with the elephant could represent power. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle31><label for=toggle31><span class="annotate-lyric"> Enyi na-aga n'anyo so gi na-azu<br/>Enyi na-aga n'anyo so gi na-azu <br/></span></label><div id=content31 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This means that "The Elephant is following you closely behind." This could mean that power and protection (which are symbolized by the elephant) are close by, supporting and trailing the person wherever they go. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle32><label for=toggle32><span class="annotate-lyric"> N'asi m Ani ya duve Enyi Chebe Enyi O dika Asi na akpota m Enyi<br/>N'asi m Ani ya duve Enyi Chebe Enyi O dika Asi na akpota m Enyi <br/></span></label><div id=content32 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> He told the land to lead and protect the elephant as if he brought the elephant. In a sense, Gentleman Mike is invoking the land (Ani) to guide and protect something valuable and powerful, that is, the elephant. In Igbo culture, the people are deeply connected to their land as the land is seen as a living entity capable of offering protection </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle33><label for=toggle33><span class="annotate-lyric"> Enyi na-aga n'anyi so gi na-azu<br/>Enyi na-aga n'anyi so gi na-azu <br/></span></label><div id=content33 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This means that "The Elephant is following you closely behind." This could mean that power and protection (which are symbolized by the elephant) are close by, supporting and trailing the person wherever they go. </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle34><label for=toggle34><span class="annotate-lyric"> Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m <br/>Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m <br/>Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m <br/>Gwo gwo gwo NGwo m  <br/></span></label><div id=content34 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This seems like an onomatopoeic expression, possibly mimicking the sound of something heavy or significant (like an elephant) moving and stomping on the ground. It represents power and presence </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle35><label for=toggle35><span class="annotate-lyric"> Gwo gwo gwo NGwo...  <br/></span></label><div id=content35 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This seems like an onomatopoeic expression, possibly mimicking the sound of something heavy or significant (like an elephant) moving and stomping on the ground. It represents power and presence </div></div><br/><br/> (Speech) I dont know <br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle36><label for=toggle36><span class="annotate-lyric"> Nna m Eze akpota m Enyi<br/>Nna m Eze akpota m Enyi <br/></span></label><div id=content36 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This directly translates to "My father the king has brought me an elephant." "Eze" means "king" in Igbo and "Enyi" refers to an "elephant." In Igbo culture, an elephant symbolizes power and nobility. The phrase can be interpreted as a way of saying that something powerful or significant has been brought by a figure of authority (in this case, it is the king).  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle37><label for=toggle37><span class="annotate-lyric"> Nwa mbe isi n'ikpota onye<br/>Nwa mbe isi n'ikpota onye <br/></span></label><div id=content37 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This means "The tortoise’s head is bringing someone." Tortoise in Igbo is "Nwa mbe." In Igbo folklore, tortoises are popularly known for their cunningness and wisdom. This could mean that the person being referred to is being influenced by wisdom or cleverness. </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle38><label for=toggle38><span class="annotate-lyric"> Asi m Ani ya dube Enyi chebe Enyi O dika Asi na akpota m Enyi<br/>Asi m Ani ya dube Enyi chebe Enyi O dika Asi na akpota m Enyi <br/></span></label><div id=content38 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> He told the land to lead and protect the elephant as if he brought the elephant. In a sense, Gentleman Mike is invoking the land (Ani) to guide and protect something valuable and powerful, that is, the elephant. In Igbo culture, the people are deeply connected to their land as the land is seen as a living entity capable of offering protection </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle39><label for=toggle39><span class="annotate-lyric"> Akwa Enyi Ga-abut isi oche<br/>Akwa Enyi Ga-abut isi oche <br/></span></label><div id=content39 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This directly translates to "The elephant's cloth will be the head of the chair." This is a metaphor for something of great significance being placed in a position of leadership ("head of the chair"). In the culture, clothing and symbols associated with the elephant could represent power. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle40><label for=toggle40><span class="annotate-lyric"> Enyi na-aga n'anyi so gi na-azu<br/>Enyi na-aga n'anyi so gi na-azu <br/></span></label><div id=content40 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This means that "The Elephant is following you closely behind." This could mean that power and protection (which are symbolized by the elephant) are close by, supporting and trailing the person wherever they go. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle41><label for=toggle41><span class="annotate-lyric"> Gwo gwo gwo NGwo...  <br/></span></label><div id=content41 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This seems like an onomatopoeic expression, possibly mimicking the sound of something heavy or significant (like an elephant) moving and stomping on the ground. It represents power and presence </div></div><br/><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle42><label for=toggle42><span class="annotate-lyric"> Nna m Eze akpota m Enyi<br/>Nna m Eze akpota m Enyi <br/></span></label><div id=content42 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This directly translates to "My father the king has brought me an elephant." "Eze" means "king" in Igbo and "Enyi" refers to an "elephant." In Igbo culture, an elephant symbolizes power and nobility. The phrase can be interpreted as a way of saying that something powerful or significant has been brought by a figure of authority (in this case, it is the king).  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle43><label for=toggle43><span class="annotate-lyric"> Nwa mbe isi n'ikpota onye<br/>Nwa mbe isi n'ikpota onye <br/></span></label><div id=content43 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This means "The tortoise’s head is bringing someone." Tortoise in Igbo is "Nwa mbe." In Igbo folklore, tortoises are popularly known for their cunningness and wisdom. This could mean that the person being referred to is being influenced by wisdom or cleverness. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle44><label for=toggle44><span class="annotate-lyric"> Asi m Ani ya dube Enyi chebe Enyi o dika Asi na akpota m Enyi<br/>Asi m Ani ya dube Enyi chebe Enyi o dika Asi na akpota m Enyi <br/></span></label><div id=content44 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> He told the land to lead and protect the elephant as if he brought the elephant. In a sense, Gentleman Mike is invoking the land (Ani) to guide and protect something valuable and powerful, that is, the elephant. In Igbo culture, the people are deeply connected to their land as the land is seen as a living entity capable of offering protection </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle45><label for=toggle45><span class="annotate-lyric"> Akwa Enyi Ga-abut isi oche<br/>Akwa Enyi Ga-abut isi oche <br/></span></label><div id=content45 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This directly translates to "The elephant's cloth will be the head of the chair." This is a metaphor for something of great significance being placed in a position of leadership ("head of the chair"). In the culture, clothing and symbols associated with the elephant could represent power. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle46><label for=toggle46><span class="annotate-lyric"> Enyi na-aga n'anyi so gi na-azu<br/>Enyi na-aga n'anyi so gi na-azu <br/></span></label><div id=content46 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This means that "The Elephant is following you closely behind." This could mean that power and protection (which are symbolized by the elephant) are close by, supporting and trailing the person wherever they go. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle47><label for=toggle47><span class="annotate-lyric"> Gwo gwo gwo NGwo...  <br/></span></label><div id=content47 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This seems like an onomatopoeic expression, possibly mimicking the sound of something heavy or significant (like an elephant) moving and stomping on the ground. It represents power and presence </div></div><br/><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle48><label for=toggle48><span class="annotate-lyric"> Nna m Eze akpota m Enyi<br/>Nna m Eze akpota m Enyi <br/></span></label><div id=content48 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This directly translates to "My father the king has brought me an elephant." "Eze" means "king" in Igbo and "Enyi" refers to an "elephant." In Igbo culture, an elephant symbolizes power and nobility. The phrase can be interpreted as a way of saying that something powerful or significant has been brought by a figure of authority (in this case, it is the king).  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle49><label for=toggle49><span class="annotate-lyric"> Nwa mbe isi n'ikpota onye<br/>Nwa mbe isi n'ikpota onye <br/></span></label><div id=content49 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This means "The tortoise’s head is bringing someone." Tortoise in Igbo is "Nwa mbe." In Igbo folklore, tortoises are popularly known for their cunningness and wisdom. This could mean that the person being referred to is being influenced by wisdom or cleverness. </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle50><label for=toggle50><span class="annotate-lyric"> Asi m Ani ya dube Enyi chebe Enyi O dika Asi na akpota m Enyi<br/>Asi m Ani ya dube Enyi chebe Enyi O dika Asi na akpota m Enyi <br/></span></label><div id=content50 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> He told the land to lead and protect the elephant as if he brought the elephant. In a sense, Gentleman Mike is invoking the land (Ani) to guide and protect something valuable and powerful, that is, the elephant. In Igbo culture, the people are deeply connected to their land as the land is seen as a living entity capable of offering protection </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle51><label for=toggle51><span class="annotate-lyric"> Gwo gwo gwo NGwo...  <br/></span></label><div id=content51 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This seems like an onomatopoeic expression, possibly mimicking the sound of something heavy or significant (like an elephant) moving and stomping on the ground. It represents power and presence </div></div>

Lyric Breakdown Video
Credits
Produced by
Chris Ajilo, Etim Udo, Lekam Ubi
Written by
Gentleman Mike Ejeagha & His Trio
Release date
January 1, 1983