Obi mourns Highlife Legend, Mike Ejeagha
Tributes have continued to pour in for late veteran Nigerian highlife musician and cultural icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, who passed away on Friday night at the age of 95.
...Says Ejeagha a household name with classics like Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo gwo gwo ngwo)
Tributes have continued to pour in for late veteran Nigerian highlife musician and cultural icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, who passed away on Friday night at the age of 95.
Former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election and governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “I just read the sad news of the passing of the legendary highlife musician, songwriter, folklorist, and cultural custodian, Pa Mike Ejeagha.
'Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha carved a timeless legacy with his unique blend of traditional Igbo folk music and storytelling.
"His musical journey began in the 1960s, and by the 1980s, he had become a household name with classics like Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo gwo gwo ngwo).
"Before his passing, Ejeagha’s music experienced a powerful resurgence in 2024, when comedian and content creator, Brain Jotter, used his 1983 track, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche, in a viral dance video.
"This propelled the song to #81 on Apple Music Nigeria, making Ejeagha the oldest Nigerian artiste to ever chart.
"His 1983 album, Akụkọ N’egwu Original Vol. 1, also re-entered the spotlight, breaking into the Spotify Nigeria Top 100 Albums, four decades after its release.
“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.
“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.
“His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old… He immortalised the essence of life—its humour, discipline, spirituality, and resilience."
'Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha carved a timeless legacy with his unique blend of traditional Igbo folk music and storytelling.
"His musical journey began in the 1960s, and by the 1980s, he had become a household name with classics like Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo gwo gwo ngwo).
"Before his passing, Ejeagha’s music experienced a powerful resurgence in 2024, when comedian and content creator, Brain Jotter, used his 1983 track, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche, in a viral dance video.
"This propelled the song to #81 on Apple Music Nigeria, making Ejeagha the oldest Nigerian artiste to ever chart.
"His 1983 album, Akụkọ N’egwu Original Vol. 1, also re-entered the spotlight, breaking into the Spotify Nigeria Top 100 Albums, four decades after its release.
“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.
“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.
“His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old… He immortalised the essence of life—its humour, discipline, spirituality, and resilience."
He, then, praised Ejeagha for using music as a tool for teaching, healing, and preserving the philosophical depth of Igbo culture.
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