Beloved Nigerian highlife musician, Mike Ejeagha, affectionately known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” has sadly passed away at the age of 95. He died on the evening of Friday, June 6, 2025, around 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, following a lengthy illness.
His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, shared, “My father succumbed to a long-standing ailment.” The family is anticipated to release details regarding the funeral arrangements shortly.
Ejeagha was a prominent figure on Nigerian radio during the 1980s, celebrated for his distinctive approach to Igbo folk music that resonated with audiences of all ages. Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, he gained fame with enduring classics such as “Omekagu,” “Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma,” and “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwogwogwo).”
A Guardian of Cultural Heritage
Ejeagha’s significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Igbo culture through his music are unparalleled, with over 300 recordings archived in the National Archives of Nigeria. His songs have not only entertained but also educated generations, securing his esteemed place in Nigeria’s cultural legacy.
As Emma Ejeagha remarked, his father’s influence will live on through his vast discography and his role in enriching Igbo folklore and music. Recently, Ejeagha’s renowned track “Gwogwogwo” received renewed recognition after popular comedian BrainJotter remixed it, introducing the melody to a younger audience and reigniting interest in Ejeagha’s artistry.
Tributes have begun to flow from across the nation, as fans, cultural organisations, and fellow musicians honour his significant contributions to traditional music and his role as a keeper of oral history.
