Nigeria has lost one of its most treasured cultural icons as veteran highlife musician and folklorist, Mike Ejeagha, passed away at the age of 95.
The revered storyteller and musical sage died on Friday night around 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, following a prolonged illness. The news of his passing was confirmed by his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, marking the end of an era for fans of traditional Igbo music and folklore.
Ejeagha was celebrated for his extraordinary gift in blending Igbo folklore and age-old proverbs into captivating musical narratives. His songs were more than entertainment, they were educational treasures that imparted wisdom, moral lessons, and cultural pride to listeners across generations.
Throughout the 1980s, his distinctive style of musical storytelling enjoyed widespread airplay on Nigerian radio, earning him a special place in the hearts of millions and cementing his status as one of the country’s most influential highlife artists. His music, deeply rooted in tradition and philosophy, resonated particularly with the older generation while also subtly influencing newer artists.
In a twist of fate that brought his music to a younger audience, Mike Ejeagha’s work found renewed life in 2024 when his song became the foundation for the viral “Gwo Gwo Gwo” dance challenge. The challenge, sparked by popular skit maker Brain Jotter, took social media by storm, with users across platforms dancing to the revitalized highlife rhythm. The moment became a testament to Ejeagha’s timeless appeal and the enduring relevance of his artistry.
Until his passing, Mike Ejeagha remained a symbol of cultural preservation, and his body of work continues to inspire both musicians and folklorists in Nigeria and beyond. His contributions to highlife music and indigenous storytelling will be remembered as an invaluable part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
