Renowned Highlife luminary, Mike Ejeagha, celebrated for his transformative interpretations of Igbo folklore and proverbs into enthralling music, has departed this life at the venerable age of 95.
Ejeagha succumbed to a prolonged illness on Friday evening at approximately 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu.
His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed the passing of the illustrious Gwogwogwongwo songsmith, attributing his demise to a long-standing ailment.
Mike Ejeagha was a formidable presence on Nigerian airwaves during the 1980s, with his distinctive style of Igbo folk music resonating across multiple generations.
Affectionately dubbed “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” the musician was lauded for his extraordinary talent in intertwining Igbo folklore and proverbs into mesmerizing highlife melodies, securing him a revered position in Nigeria’s cultural and musical heritage.
His exceptional storytelling ability, coupled with his signature guitar technique, rendered his music both entertaining and enlightening, striking a profound chord with audiences throughout the ages.
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ejeagha embarked on his musical odyssey in the mid-20th century.
He rose to prominence during the 1960s and 1980s with timeless hits such as Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwogwogwongwo).
His contributions to the preservation and promotion of Igbo culture through music were monumental, with over 300 recordings meticulously archived in the National Archives of Nigeria.
In recent years, Ejeagha experienced a renaissance in popularity when his 1983 track Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche ignited a viral dance challenge across social media platforms in 2024.
This resurgence introduced his music to a younger audience, reaffirming his stature as a cultural icon.
Ejeagha’s passing signifies the conclusion of an era for Nigerian highlife music.
Nonetheless, his legacy endures through his extensive discography and the indelible mark he left on the preservation of Igbo folklore and music.
