Veteran Nigerian highlife musician and folklorist, Mike Ejeagha, has died at the age of 95.
The legendary artiste passed away on the evening of Friday, 6 June 2025, at about 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, following a prolonged illness. His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed the passing.
Born on 4 April 1930 in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ejeagha was widely known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.” He was celebrated for his pioneering contributions to Igbo highlife music and for using music as a vehicle to preserve indigenous folklore and wisdom.
Ejeagha’s music career spanned over six decades, beginning in the 1950s. He gained national prominence with the release of his first hit in 1960, coinciding with Nigeria’s independence. His songs, often laced with proverbs, moral lessons, and traditional Igbo idioms, earned him a revered place in the annals of Nigerian music history.
Aside from entertaining, Ejeagha was a custodian of culture. His efforts in documenting traditional Igbo music and folklore saw him contribute more than 300 recordings to the National Archives of Nigeria. His storytelling through music not only delighted audiences but also served as a tool for cultural education.
In 2024, one of his classic tracks, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche, experienced a revival among younger audiences after a viral dance challenge sparked renewed interest in his work. The resurgence prompted tributes from entertainers and cultural institutions alike.
In recognition of his enduring legacy, the Enugu State Government, in September 2024, renamed the popular Abakpa Road in the state capital as Mike Ejeagha Avenue.
Tributes have since poured in from across the country, with musicians, cultural advocates, and fans mourning the loss of a legend whose music shaped generations.
Mike Ejeagha is survived by his children, grandchildren, and a rich legacy of music that continues to echo across time.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
