Veteran Nigerian highlife musician and cultural icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, has passed away at the age of 95.
His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed that the revered artist d+ed around 8 p.m. on Friday evening at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, following a prolonged +llness.
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha carved a unique niche for himself with his rich blend of storytelling and traditional Igbo folk music.
His rise to fame began in the 1960s, and by the 1980s, he had become a household name with classics such as Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwogwogwongwo).
Widely respected for his dedication to preserving Igbo language and culture through music, Ejeagha recorded over 300 songs—many of which are preserved in the National Archives of Nigeria. His work not only entertained but educated, using proverbs and parables to pass wisdom across generations.
In 2024, his 1983 track Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche experienced a viral revival, sparking a dance challenge that brought his music to a whole new generation of listeners.
Mike Ejeagha’s death signals the close of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s musical history. Yet, his legacy lives on—etched into the soul of Igbo folklore, and in the rhythms that continue to inspire musicians and fans alike.
