Nigerian highlife musician, Mike Ejeagha, has died at the age of 95.
Popularly known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” the music legend died on Friday night.
The musician’s eldest son, Emma, who confirmed his passing on Saturday to journalists, said he died at approximately 8 p.m. after a prolonged illness.
Ejeagha’s legacy is marked by his distinctive style of Igbo folk music, which resonated across multiple generations.
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha rose to prominence during the 1960s and 1980s with timeless hits like Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwogwogwongwo).
Ejeagha’s contributions to preserving and promoting Igbo culture through music are monumental, with over 300 recordings archived in the National Archives of Nigeria.
Aside from entertaining, Ejeagha was a custodian of culture. His storytelling through music not only delighted audiences but also served as a tool for cultural education.
Tributes have since poured in from across the country, with musicians, cultural advocates, and fans mourning the loss of a legend whose music shaped generations.
Mike Ejeagha is survived by his children, grandchildren, and a rich legacy of music that continues to echo across time.
