Popular highlife icon and custodian of Igbo oral tradition, Mike Ejeagha, has died at the age of 95.
The revered musician passed away on Friday evening around 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after battling a prolonged illness.
His death was confirmed by his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, during a phone conversation with journalists.
According to Emma, his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006 and had been hospitalized multiple times over the years.
His health took a turn for the worse two weeks ago, prompting another hospitalization.
Although he was initially stabilized and discharged, he was rushed back to the hospital last Tuesday.
Sadly, he did not survive.
Emma, who was present during his father’s final moments, described him as a peace-loving man and a genius.
“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. I will meet with my family in the morning to break the news to them,” Emma said.
Before his death, Ejeagha had instructed his son not to embalm his body or keep it in the morgue for too long.
Mike Ejeagha, often celebrated for his profound storytelling and the seamless incorporation of Igbo folklore and proverbs into music, was a towering figure in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
One of his most memorable tracks, “Gwogwogwo,” received renewed acclaim in 2024 after it was remixed by popular comedian and skit maker Brian Potter.
The viral rendition introduced Ejeagha’s music to a younger, digitally savvy audience, sparking a renaissance of interest in traditional highlife.
His brand of highlife music, infused with deep moral lessons, witty expressions, and proverbs, earned him a devoted following across generations, especially throughout the Southeastern region of the country.
Born on April 4, 1930, Ejeagha launched his music career in the 1950s and went on to shape the sound and narrative form of Igbo-language music for over six decades.
He rose to national prominence in the 1970s after being featured as a guest presenter on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) programme Akuko N’Egwu (Stories in Music), a cultural show that mirrored his life’s work—blending storytelling and rhythm.
Many cultural commentators regard him as one of the last true oral historians of his generation.
Mike Ejeagha will be remembered as a foundational figure in the evolution of Igbo highlife music for over six decades.
His legacy lives on, with his son committed to preserving his rich musical heritage.
Ejeagha is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
The family is expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.
