Renowned Nigerian highlife musician, Mike Ejeagha, popularly known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” has died at the age of 95. He passed away on Friday evening, June 6, 2025, at approximately 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, following a prolonged illness.
According to his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, “My father passed away due to a long-standing ailment.” The family is expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.
Mike Ejeagha was a dominant voice on Nigerian airwaves in the 1980s with his unique style of Igbo folk music that resonated across generations. Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha rose to prominence with timeless hits like “Omekagu,” “Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma,” and “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwogwogwo)” ¹.
*A Legacy of Cultural Preservation*
Ejeagha’s contributions to preserving and promoting Igbo culture through music are monumental, with over 300 recordings archived in the National Archives of Nigeria. His music not only educated but also entertained generations, earning him a revered place in Nigeria’s cultural history.
As Emma Ejeagha noted, his father’s legacy will endure through his extensive discography and impact on Igbo folklore and music. Recently, Ejeagha’s iconic song “Gwogwogwo” gained renewed attention after popular stand-up comedian BrainJotter remixed the song, introducing it to a younger audience and sparking a resurgence of interest in Ejeagha’s work ² ¹.
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.