Renowned veteran highlife music maestro and folklorist, Mike Ejeagha has passed away at the age of 95.
The death of the Igbo folklore singer was announced by his eldest son Emma Ejeagha. He said that the music icon died around 8pm on Friday at the 32 Garrison Hospital, in Enugu after a prolonged illness.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has also confirmed the news in a post on X (Twitter) where he described Ejeagha as a gifted musician whose humility, storytelling through music, and cultural influence made him a timeless figure across generations.
Mbah wrote, “I’m profoundly saddened by the death of the music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.
“Mike Ejeagha was a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State.
The late music icon was celebrated for his mastery in transforming Igbo folklore and proverbs into captivating musical narratives that educated and entertained generations.
His unique style of storytelling through music dominated Nigerian airwaves in the 1980s and earned him a revered place in the country’s cultural history.
One of his most iconic tracks, “Gwo gwo gwo,” gained renewed attention last year after popular stand-up comedian and skit maker Brian Potter remixed the song, introducing it to a younger audience and sparking a resurgence of interest in Ejeagha’s work.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the country, as fans, cultural institutions, and fellow musicians remember his profound impact on traditional music and his legacy as a custodian of oral tradition.
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