Over the past year, Nigerian music legends have been ushered into renewed fame, decades after their prime, earning them long-overdue recognition on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.
From skit maker Chukwuebuka ‘Brain Jotter’ Amuzie’s viral “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” dance, taken from “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”, a track by the late highlife legend Mike Ejeagha, to Davido’s “With You” featuring Omah Lay, inspired by Bright Chimezie’s classic “Because of English”, creatives have consistently revived long-forgotten hits.
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These revivals have breathed new life into the songs.
Two months after Chimezie’s unexpected resurgence, another artiste, Ifeanyi Onyeachonam, is enjoying a fresh wave of popularity with his song “Jump Am Pass.”
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Thanks to TikTokers.
PREMIUM TIMES reviewed the latest challenge gaining traction on Nigerian TikTok and discovered that many users are unaware that the popular catchphrase originates from a 2003 gospel track.
Jump and Pass challenge
The challenge has attracted a wide range of participants, cutting across different age groups and backgrounds, with the song playing subtly in the background of each clip.
TikTok users have been using the song to creatively portray a variety of scenarios, from romantic entanglements and lifestyle choices to family dynamics and spiritual reflections.
The particular segment of the track gaining popularity forms a central part of the song’s message, and its comedic delivery has made it irresistible to a trend-sensitive audience.
Several clips using the sound have garnered thousands of likes and comments.
In many of the videos viewed by this newspaper, participants are seen leaping forward during the “Jump Am Pass” line, symbolically distancing themselves from the problematic situations they’ve dramatised in the videos.
Jump Am Pass
Released in 2003 by gospel singer Onyeachonam and The Heavenly Lovers Club, “Jump Am Pass” featured on the album “Sing Unto the Lord.”
This Igbo gospel praise and worship track delivers a powerful message of victory and resilience, wrapped in catchy rhythms and uplifting lyrics.
The song urges listeners to rise above life’s challenges and emerge triumphant.
Its title, “Jump Am Pass”, is a colloquial expression in Nigerian Pidgin meaning “to overcome” or “to bypass” obstacles.
The track uses this phrase to encourage confidence and steadfastness in adversity. This message remains relevant today, especially as the song gains renewed popularity through an online challenge.
Just as it did upon its release, the song’s lyrics now resonate afresh, affirming that no matter the traps or setbacks laid by adversaries, believers are empowered to overcome them.
With its energetic tempo and dynamic instrumentation, “Jump Am Pass” fosters a mood of celebration and spiritual triumph, urging listeners to embrace a mindset of faith and perseverance.
The song boldly proclaims victory over trials and tribulations, echoing the ongoing challenge, reinforcing the biblical promise that God enables His people to prevail through every hardship.
Ifeanyi Onyeachonam
Onyeachonam, popularly known as Apostle or Brother Onyeachonam, is renowned for his energetic praise and worship music, often delivered in Igbo or Nigerian Pidgin.
He gained prominence as a performer with The Heavenly Lovers Club, captivating audiences with his spirited musical style.
He is featured in several editions of the “Sing Unto the Lord” series, including Volume 4, which was released under the Super International label.
Among his notable tracks are “Lover of My Life”, “You Won’t Die Before Your Miracle”, “If Not God”, “Your Star Must Shine”, “Mercy”, and the upbeat anthem “Let’s Gyrate.”
This newspaper checked Spotify, a streaming platform and found out that the latest songs of the gospel singer, who is not active on social media, were uploaded in 2023.
They include “Jump Am Pass” remix, albums, “The Lord is Good”, “Gyrate in the Lord”, “Don’t doubt in the Dark” remix, and “Issue of Blood”.
