Mike Ejeagha, a towering figure in Nigerian highlife music, passed away on Friday evening at 8 p.m. after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer. He was 95 years old.
Ejeagha, affectionately known as “Gentleman Mike,” was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006 and had been hospitalized multiple times over the years. His health deteriorated sharply two weeks ago, leading to his final admission at 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, where he later died, his eldest son Emma confirmed.
Described by his son as a peace-loving man and a musical genius, Ejeagha was a renowned folklorist, songwriter, and musician whose unique brand of Igbo folk music influenced generations. His career spanned over six decades, making him a foundational figure in the evolution of Igbo highlife music.
In 2024, Ejeagha experienced a resurgence in popularity when his 1983 classic “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” (gwogwogwo, ngwo) was featured in a viral dance skit by comedian Brain Jotter, sparking a global dance challenge. This renewed interest led to a revival of his career, with fans visiting his Enugu home to pay tribute. During this period, he began receiving overdue royalties, and a road in Enugu was named in his honor.
Before his passing, Ejeagha instructed that his body not be embalmed or kept in the morgue for long. His family is preparing to announce funeral arrangements.
Mike Ejeagha’s legacy as a pioneer of Igbo highlife music endures, with his son committed to preserving his rich musical heritage.
