Renowned Nigerian highlife icon Mike Ejeagha, affectionately called “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha”, has passed away at the age of 95. The legendary artist died on Friday evening, bringing to a close a remarkable life dedicated to music and cultural heritage.
His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed the news to journalists in Enugu on Saturday, revealing that the beloved musician died around 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital, following a long illness.
“My father succumbed to a health condition he had battled for many years,” Emma stated.
A Pillar of Igbo Folk and Highlife Music
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha rose to prominence in Nigeria’s music scene during the 1960s through the 1980s, captivating audiences with his unique brand of Igbo highlife music. His songs, rich in proverbs, storytelling, and cultural wisdom, transcended generations and became deeply embedded in the musical fabric of the Southeast.
Some of his most enduring hits include “Omekagu,” “Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma,” and “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwogwogwongwo),” which cemented his reputation as a master of traditional sounds and lyrical craftsmanship.
A Guardian of Cultural Heritage
Beyond his music, Mike Ejeagha played a pivotal role in preserving Igbo oral traditions and folk philosophy. With more than 300 recorded tracks archived in the National Archives of Nigeria, his work has been lauded as a cultural treasure. His music not only entertained but also educated, often carrying moral lessons and reflections on communal values.
Even in his later years, Ejeagha witnessed a revival of interest in his work. In 2024, his 1983 classic “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” went viral due to a popular dance challenge on social media platforms, exposing his artistry to a new generation of listeners who embraced his timeless sound.
A Legacy That Lives On
Mike Ejeagha’s death marks a significant loss for Nigerian music, particularly within the highlife genre, which he helped define and sustain. Though his voice may now be silent, his legacy echoes through the melodies and messages preserved in his recordings.
His contributions to the cultural identity of the Igbo people and the broader Nigerian music industry remain unparalleled. Generations to come will continue to find wisdom, joy, and heritage in his songs.
As tributes pour in from fans and musicians alike, Mike Ejeagha is remembered not just as a performer, but as a custodian of tradition, a musical philosopher, and a gentleman in every sense of the word.
