Eric Patrick
Renowned highlife musician and cultural icon, Mike Ejeagha, was laid to rest on Sunday in his home state of Enugu, drawing tributes from fans, cultural institutions, and music lovers across Nigeria.
Popularly known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” the music legend died on Friday night at the age of 95.
The musician’s eldest son, Emma, who confirmed his passing on Saturday to journalists in Enugu said he died on Friday evening at approximately 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after a prolonged illness.
“My father passed away due to a long-standing ailment,” said Emma.
The funeral, held with full traditional rites, marked the final farewell to the artist whose 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).
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Ejeagha’s contributions to preserving and promoting Igbo culture through music are monumental, with over 300 recordings archived in the National Archives of Nigeria.
His recent resurgence in popularity, sparked by the viral dance challenge of his 1983 track Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche in 2024, introduced his music to a younger audience.
Ejeagha’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian highlife music, but his legacy endures through his extensive discography and the impact he left on Igbo folklore and music.
However, Mourners gathered to honour his legacy, including musicians, cultural leaders, and government officials, all paying tribute to the profound influence he had on preserving and promoting Igbo culture through music.
