Highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha, whose songs brought Igbo folklore and proverbs to life for decades, has died.
He passed away at 95, one year after a resurgence of fame that saw his 1983 song, ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo’ blow up more that 40 year after its release..
He died on Friday night, June 6, around 8pm at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after a long illness. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of generations that grew up listening to his voice on the radio and beyond.
Popularly known for his storytelling style, Ejeagha was a dominant presence on Nigerian airwaves in the 1980s. His music, deeply rooted in traditional Igbo values and parables, was more than just entertainment. It was education, culture, and wisdom wrapped in melody.
Last year, the world saw a resurgence of love for his music. In July 2024, one of his songs went viral thanks to a dance challenge started by content creator Brain Jotter. The routine, featuring two people dancing in opposite directions, performing comic steps, and ending in a playful chase, brought Ejeagha’s timeless chorus “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” back to the spotlight.
The song, which tells the story of a clever tortoise tricking an elephant, reminded Nigerians and the world of the beauty and humour in African storytelling. For many young Nigerians, it was their first real encounter with Ejeagha’s music, and it sparked renewed interest in preserving folk narratives through art.
In September 2024, his contributions were officially recognised. Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, paid a visit to the veteran singer, renamed the street leading to his home in his honour, and promised to take full responsibility for his medical care. It was a gesture that warmed many hearts and reminded the nation of the need to celebrate icons while they are still here.
Mike Ejeagha’s impact goes beyond the melodies he created. He was a cultural custodian, a teacher in lyrics, and a man who never let tradition fade. Even in his old age, his voice remained strong in memory, passed down from parent to child, and now rediscovered on the internet.
