Renowned Highlife legend, Mike Ejeagha, known for transforming Igbo folklore and proverbs into captivating music, has passed away at the age of 95.
Ejeagha joined his ancestors on Friday night at about 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, following a prolonged illness.
His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed the demise of the Gwogwogwongwo singer.
Mike Ejeagha was a dominant voice on Nigerian airwaves in the 1980s with his unique style of Igbo folk music that resonated across generations.
Popularly known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” the musician was celebrated for his unique ability to weave Igbo folklore and proverbs into captivating highlife melodies, earning him a revered place in Nigeria’s cultural and musical history.
His storytelling prowess, combined with his distinctive guitar style, made his music both entertaining and educational, resonating deeply with audiences across generations.
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ejeagha began his musical journey in the mid-20th century.
He gained prominence in the 1960s and 1980s with hits like 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 significant, with over 300 recordings archived in the National Archives of Nigeria.
In recent years, Ejeagha experienced a resurgence in popularity when his 1983 track Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche sparked a viral dance challenge on social media platforms in 2024.
The renewed interest in his work introduced his music to a younger generation, reaffirming his status as a cultural icon.
Ejeagha’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian highlife music.
His legacy, however, endures through his extensive discography and the indelible impact he made on the preservation of Igbo folklore and music.
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