Nigeria has lost one of its most revered musical icons. Mike Ejeagha, fondly known as “Gentleman,” passed away on Friday evening at the age of 95. He died at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu following a long illness.
His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed the death during a telephone conversation with journalists. “Papa passed around 8 p.m. on Friday. He had been battling illness for some time. We take solace in the life he lived and the legacy he left behind,” he said.
Ejeagha was widely recognised for weaving Igbo proverbs, folklore, and moral lessons into highlife music, a signature style that made him a cultural icon across Nigeria. From the 1950s until his final years, he nurtured and preserved Igbo oral traditions through lyrics rich in storytelling and wisdom.
One of his standout tracks, “Gwogwogwo,” found new life in 2024 after it was remixed by comedian and skit maker Brain Jotter. The viral version drew a younger generation into Ejeagha’s timeless sound and reignited interest in traditional highlife.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar joined the outpouring of tributes, hailing Ejeagha as more than a musician. “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha was more than a musician; he was a storyteller, a teacher, and a guardian of Igbo oral tradition,” Atiku wrote in a statement shared via his social media platforms. “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
He added, “It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn.”
Known for his calm demeanour and philosophical depth, Ejeagha rose to national prominence in the 1970s after appearing on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) cultural programme Akuko N’Egwu (Stories in Music). The show, which fused storytelling and music, mirrored the essence of his life’s work.
Cultural critics have described him as one of the last true oral historians of his era—an elder who captured history, morality, and social commentary in verse.
Ejeagha is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. The family has promised to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.
His passing marks the end of an era, but the wisdom embedded in his songs will continue to resonate with generations to come.
