Esther Salifu
Veteran Nigerian highlife musician and cultural icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, has died at the age of 95. His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed that the revered artist passed away around 8 p.m. on Fridayevening at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, following a prolonged illness.
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha carved a unique niche for himself with his rich blend of storytelling and traditional Igbo folk music. His rise to fame began in the 1960s, and by the 1980s, he had become a household name with classics such as “Omekagu,” “Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma,” and “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwogwogwongwo).”
Widely respected for his dedication to preserving Igbo language and culture through music, Ejeagha recorded over 300 songs many of which are preserved in the National Archives of Nigeria. His work not only entertained but educated, using proverbs and parables to pass wisdom across generations.
In 2024, his 1983 track “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” experienced a viral revival, sparking a dance challenge that brought his music to a whole new generation of listeners. This resurgence led to renewed recognition, including the renaming of a road in Enugu State in his honor .
