Renowned Nigerian highlife musician, Mike Ejeagha, fondly known as “Gentleman Mike,” has died at the age of 95.
Ejeagha, who was revered for his iconic Igbo folk music, passed away on the evening of Friday, June 6, 2025, at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, after a prolonged illness.
Confirming the sad news to journalists on Saturday, his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, said, “My father died around 8 p.m. on Friday after battling a long-standing ailment. His death has left a huge vacuum in our hearts and in the music world.”
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha made significant contributions to the growth and preservation of Igbo music and culture. He rose to fame in the 1960s and 1980s with evergreen hits such as “Omekagu,” “Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma,” and “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwogwogwongwo).”
His distinct musical style, often infused with storytelling and moral lessons, captivated audiences across generations. He recorded over 300 songs, many of which are preserved in the National Archives of Nigeria.
Ejeagha’s music experienced a resurgence in popularity in 2024 when a viral dance challenge based on his 1983 track “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” introduced his work to a new, younger audience on social media.
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Cultural experts and music lovers alike have hailed him as a custodian of Igbo folklore. Speaking on his legacy, music historian Chinedu Okafor noted, “Mike Ejeagha’s music is more than entertainment—it’s a documentation of Igbo history, values, and wisdom.”
