Veteran Nigerian highlife musician and storyteller, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, has died at the age of 95. His shonourmma Ejeagha, confirmed that the music icon passed away around 8 p.m. on Friday after a long illness.
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Mike Ejeagha became famous for blending traditional Igbo folk music with wise storytelling. His songs, filled with proverbs and cultural lessons, touched many hearts across generations.
Ejeagha started his music career in the 1960s and gained wide popularity in the 1980s with hit songs like Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo gwo gwo ngwo).
In 2024, his music found new life when popular comedian Brain Jotter used his 1983 song Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche in a viral dance video. The video pushed the song to number 81 on Apple Music Nigeria, making Ejeagha the oldest Nigerian artist to enter the chart. His album Akụkọ N’egwu Original Vol. 1 also made it into Spotify Nigeria’s Top 100 Albums — 40 years after its release.
Leaders, fans, and fellow artists have taken to social media to honour Ejeagha’s life and legacy.
Also Read:
- FG Declares June 6 and 9 Public Holidays for Eid-ul-Adha
- Indian Police Arrest Nigerian Man for Alleged Drug Trafficking
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, described his death as “the end of an era, but not the end of his voice. His songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth,” he added,
Obi praised Ejeagha’s work, saying, “For over six decades, Pa Ejeagha used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people.”
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi, called him “a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu StA ate.”
He said the state would ensure that Ejeagha a’s memory is honoured and promised support to his family.
“His fan base transcended boundaries, and he was one of the most recognisable voices in music,” Ndubuisi said.
On social media, many shared their love for the late musician. Cultural commentator Anafulogo wrote, “We Igbo people lost a special one in Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also paid tribute. He said, “Thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn. Rest in music, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.”
Brain Jotter, whose viral video brought Ejeagha’s music back into the spotlight, wrote, “39 years ago, he made magic, 39 years later, we dance to it again. Now he rests but his melody lives forever. Rest on, legend.”
Mike Ejeagha leaves behind a powerful legacy. His music, rich with cultural wisdom, will continue to inspire Nigerians for years to come.