Following the death of veteran Nigerian highlife musician and cultural icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, who passed away at the age of 95, tributes have continued to pour in from across the country.
Born on 4 April 1930 in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha was widely celebrated for his distinctive musical style, which blended traditional Igbo folk music with storytelling and proverbs. His influence on Nigerian highlife music spanned more than six decades, with classic hits such as Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo gwo gwo ngwo).
In 2024, interest in his music was reignited after comedian and content creator Brain Jotter featured Ejeagha’s 1983 track Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche in a viral dance video. The song climbed to number 81 on Apple Music Nigeria, making Ejeagha the oldest Nigerian artiste ever to chart on the platform. His 1983 album, Akụkọ N’egwu Original Vol. 1, also re-entered the spotlight, breaking into Spotify Nigeria’s Top 100 Albums chart four decades after its release.
Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed his grief on X (formerly Twitter), describing Ejeagha as a cultural custodian whose voice would never be forgotten.
“His transition marks the end of an era, but not the end of his voice his songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth,” Obi wrote.
He praised Ejeagha for using music as a vehicle to teach, heal, and preserve the values and philosophy of Igbo culture.
Also Read: Veteran Highlife Icon Mike Ejeagha Dies at 95
“For over six decades, Pa Ejeagha, popularly known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people,” he added.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also paid tribute, reflecting on the singer’s late-career resurgence.
“It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn.
Rest in music, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.”
Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi, described Ejeagha as a “legend, cultural ambassador, and revered son of Enugu State.”
“His fan-base transcended boundaries, and he was one of the most recognisable voices in music.
Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures,” he wrote on social media.
The governor assured the Ejeagha family of the state government’s full support and pledged to immortalise the late icon.
Cultural commentator Anafulogo noted that Ejeagha’s name alone reflected his enduring character.
“We Igbo people lost a special one in Gentleman Mike Ejeagha. Do you know how level-headed a man will be for ‘Gentleman’ to be a part of his identity?” he asked.
Brain Jotter, whose video helped reintroduce Ejeagha to a new generation, wrote:
“39 years ago, he made magic, 39 years later, we dance to it again. Now he rests but his melody lives forever.
Rest on, legend.”
Mike Ejeagha’s contributions to Nigerian music, language, and culture remain indelible. As tributes continue to flow, his legacy endures as a testament to the lasting power of folk music in shaping cultural identity and collective memory.
