Veteran highlife musician and cultural icon, Mike Ejeagha, has passed away at the age of 95.
He died on Friday evening around 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after a long battle with prostate cancer.
His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed the news during a phone conversation with journalists. According to him, the legendary musician had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006 and had experienced several hospitalizations over the years. His health deteriorated significantly two weeks ago, resulting in another emergency admission.
Although he was briefly stabilized and discharged, Ejeagha was rushed back to the hospital on Tuesday, where he sadly passed away.
“Papa died at exactly 8 p.m. on Friday, and his body has been deposited in the morgue. I was with him during his final moments,” Emma said, describing his father as a peace-loving man and a musical genius.
In keeping with his wishes, Ejeagha asked that his body not be embalmed or kept in the morgue for an extended period.
Born on April 4, 1930, Mike Ejeagha was a pioneer of Igbo highlife music. His career, which began in the 1950s, spanned over six decades and left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s cultural landscape. Known for his deep storytelling, rich use of Igbo proverbs, and moral themes, Ejeagha became a household name—especially across Southeastern Nigeria.
He gained national attention in the 1970s through his role on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) programme Akuko N’Egwu (Stories in Music), which showcased his unique blend of narrative and rhythm.
In 2024, his classic track “Gwogwogwo” gained viral popularity after being remixed by comedian and skit maker Brian Potter, introducing his music to a new, younger audience. This resurgence sparked fresh interest in traditional highlife and Igbo folklore.
Widely regarded as one of the last living oral historians of his generation, Mike Ejeagha’s contributions to music and storytelling continue to inspire. His son, Emma, has vowed to preserve his father’s musical heritage.
Ejeagha is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in the coming days.
