Mohbad lives again, posthumously, through music.
Chike dropped Egwu at the end of February 2024, four months after Mohbad’s death in October 2023, and everyone are reminded of the promising voice and artist who died far too young.
The music’s video has been viewed more than 2.5 million times in just matter of days, trending on number 19 on YouTube charts. Listening to Mohbad in a new song is like gaining a piece of him after death.
What does “Egwu” mean?
Egwu in this scenario means music. The language is Igbo, spoken by Chike and population of many Nigerians in the East.
What is the song “Egwu” about?
The song is singing about music. Mohbad emphasizes his love for music comparing it to people tapping on TikTok and pastors praying in tongues. Chike commends himself and Mohbad for their music, making a point that their songs are so good, it enters people’s souls.
The song is written in English, Nigeria’s Pidgin English, Igbo and Yoruba language. Listen to the song on YouTube here.
See lyrics of Chike and Mohbad’s Egwu full translations and English meaning
Mohbad
Ìmọ́lẹ̀nization – Mohbad’s other name is Imole, Imolenization is like spreading Imole music
Chiké fún wọn ní pressure – Chike put on the pressure (with the music)
Street orientation
Ìmọ́lẹ̀ni-zation
Fún wọn ní- pressure
(Aiye iye, aiye iye)
(Aiye iye) (aiye)
(Ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh)
(Ooh-ooh, ooh) (ooh-ooh)
All my niggas sha pro-pro – Sha pro-pro means you are cool/upgraded/woke
All my niggas sha pra-pra – Sha pra-pra is same as sha pro-pro
Cover face like Lagbaja – Lagbaja is a Yoruba legendary musician who covers his face
Get fìlà, but we no dey cap – Get a fila (a Yoruba traditional cap), but we are not lying
TikTok boys, dem tap-tap-tap – TikTok boys tap tap on the screen to like or send gift
Pastor do shira ba-ba – Pastor speaks in tongue
Ọmọ ìjọ, ra, ba-ba – The congregation also gets involved
Feeling good pa, ran-ran – He loves music so he feels good, like his other track
Music no need permission to enter your spirit
Anywhere, anyhow, you know say you go feel me – Anywhere, anyhow, you will surely feel it
Music no need permission to enter your spirit
Yea-yo, anywhere, anyhow, you know say you go feel me
(Aiye iye, aiye iye)
(Aiye iye) (aiye)
(Ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh)
(Ooh-ooh, ooh) (ooh-ooh)
Chike
Awilo Longomba – Awilo is a Congolese musician once a popular figure in Nigeria
Egwu Chiké atọ ka kwa – Chike’s music is very sweet
MohBad mi dikwa bad – My Mohbad is a great musician
I’m living like no other
Egwu anyị ana kwa ajụ, kwa ajụ – No song he drops people do not like
Nya bido bawa gi ime – The song gets into your soul you just cant refuse it
I no need talk am, you go know – I don’t need to say anymore, you will know when you hear his songs
Feeling good, pa, ran-ran
Aiye iye, aiye iye
Aiye iye (music no need permission to enter your spirit) (aiye)
Ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh (ooh-ooh)
(DeeYasso)
Image credit: Chike/YouTube