Legendary Nigerian highlife musician Mike Ejeagha, best known for his storytelling musical style and the iconic song “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo”, has passed away at the age of 95.
The revered artist reportedly died on Friday evening around 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, following a prolonged illness. His death was confirmed by his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, in a phone conversation with journalists.
Mike Ejeagha, born on April 4, 1930, leaves behind a musical legacy spanning more than six decades. He rose to prominence in the 1970s and became a household name through his unique blend of highlife melodies, traditional Igbo proverbs, and moral storytelling. His music resonated deeply with audiences across generations, especially in Southeastern Nigeria.
His song “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo”, which once dominated the highlife scene, found renewed fame in 2024 after a viral remix by comedian and skit maker Brain Jotter introduced it to a younger audience on social media.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ejeagha remained committed to using music as a vehicle for cultural education. He was widely celebrated for his appearances on the Nigerian Television Authority’s (NTA) “Akuko N’Egwu” (Stories in Music), where he fused narrative tradition with music in a way that earned him critical and cultural acclaim.
Ejeagha is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. The family has requested privacy at this time and is expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.
His passing marks the end of an era for highlife music, but his influence will undoubtedly continue to echo through Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
What Atiku said
It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn. Rest in music, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha 🙏. -AA
What Peter Obi said
Rest Well, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha
I just read the sad news of the passing of the legendary highlife musician, songwriter, folklorist, and cultural custodian, Pa Mike Ejeagha. His transition marks the end of an era, but not the end of his voice – his songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth.
For over six decades, Pa Ejeagha, popularly known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people. His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old. Through his work, he immortalised the essence of life – its humour, discipline, spirituality, and resilience. Recently, one of his old tracks, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo), took social media by storm, popularised by Brain jotter, a young content creator.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, to the government and good people of Enugu State, his home and cultural base, and particularly to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, as he leads the state in honouring one of its finest sons.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy never fade. -PO
What Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah said
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. He was one of the finest musicians of his generation, with an easygoing personality and a humility that belied his towering celebrity status. His fan-base transcended boundaries, and he was easily one of the most recognizable voices in music.
Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures.
I will always cherish fond memories of the time spent in his company – the warmth and wisdom he radiated; the joy he found in the ordinary.
His death leaves a huge void that will be difficult to fill. But the legacies he has left behind will last a lifetime. This is a loss not only for his immediate family; it is a profound loss for Enugu State, the entire music community, and the nation as a whole.
On behalf of the Enugu State Government, I offer heartfelt condolences to the Ejeagha family and assure them of our support. As a government, we will ensure that his memory is duly immortalized. Above all, I pray that his family experiences the comforting grace of God’s love, and the fortitude to bear the loss.
Rest in peace, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.
Benjamin Kalu. Deputy Speaker, 10th House of Representatives.
I am truly saddened by the passing of the legendary Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, a cultural icon and musical genius who passed away in the early hours of this morning.
Gentleman Mike was more than an entertainer, he was a storyteller, a custodian of our heritage, and a figure whose voice carried the soul of our people. With creativity and warmth, he transformed indigenous folktales into timeless melodies that transcended generations and borders.
His loss is a monumental one, not just for Ndi Igbo but the entire nation. His legacy in the Nigerian music scene and love for our culture will surely be remembered by generations to come.
I extend my deepest condolences to the Ejeagha family. May God grant them strength and comfort as they navigate this difficult time of grief.
Rest well, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha. Your voice will echo forever in our hearts. May your soul rest in perfect peace.
PRESIDENT BOLA TINIBU
“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” said Tinubu.
The President commended the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, for honouring the music icon while still alive.
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