Tinubu, Mbah, Atiku Mourn Igbo Music Legend, Mike Ejeagha
President Bola Tinubu, Governor Peter Mbah and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, have mourned the Igbo folklore music legend, Mike Ejeagha, who died in Enugu at the age of 95 years. Ejeagha died around 8 p.m. on Friday evening at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after battling a prostate cancer for over 26 years, according to his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha.
.. Gentleman Ejeagha preserved and promoted Igbo traditions for generations, Tinubu
...His Death Leaves a huge void, Gov Mbah
... Ejeaghha was guardian of Igbo Tradition - Atiku Abubakar
President Bola Tinubu, Governor Peter Mbah and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, have mourned the Igbo folklore music legend, Mike Ejeagha, who died in Enugu at the age of 95 years.
Ejeagha died around 8 p.m. on Friday evening at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after battling a prostate cancer for over 26 years, according to his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha.
Tinubu Mourns Legendary ‘Gwo Gwo Ngwo’ Crooner Mike Ejeagha
President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigerian highlife icon and folklorist, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.
Tinubu noted that Ejeagha,'s musical career spanned over 60 years, during which he built an enduring catalog marked by philosophical depth and traditional instrumentation, describing the Ejeagha as a legendary musician who left an indelible mark on Nigerian music and Igbo cultural heritage.
In a statement released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to Ejeagha’s family, friends, and fans.
He also praised the late artist for his unique storytelling and musical prowess, which preserved and promoted Igbo traditions for generations.
“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal, and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” Tinubu was quoted the President as saying.
Tinubu also offered prayers for the peaceful repose of Ejeagha’s soul and asked God Almighty to grant comfort to all who mourn his passing.
Ejeagha’s 1983 classic, “Onye Ori Utaba,” featuring the iconic “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” chant, recently regained global attention through a viral dance challenge sparked by comedian Brain Jotter.
The trend, which captivated social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, introduced Ejeagha’s music to a new generation.
Ejeagha was renowned for blending folklore, proverbs, and moral lessons into his music, creating songs that were as educational as they were entertaining.In a statement released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to Ejeagha’s family, friends, and fans.
He also praised the late artist for his unique storytelling and musical prowess, which preserved and promoted Igbo traditions for generations.
“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal, and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” Tinubu was quoted the President as saying.
Tinubu also offered prayers for the peaceful repose of Ejeagha’s soul and asked God Almighty to grant comfort to all who mourn his passing.
Ejeagha’s 1983 classic, “Onye Ori Utaba,” featuring the iconic “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” chant, recently regained global attention through a viral dance challenge sparked by comedian Brain Jotter.
The trend, which captivated social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, introduced Ejeagha’s music to a new generation.
Reacting to death, President Tinubu sai
His Death Leaves a Huge Void, Gov Mbah Mourns Music Icon, Ejeagha
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has also, expressed deep grief over the death of music icon, ‘Gentleman’ Mike Ejeagha, saying the legend had created a void that would be too difficult to fill.
Mbah described Ejeagha as an unassuming and easygoing personality, whose fanbase spread across international boundaries.
Reacting to the sad development, the governor, who had celebrated the folklorist during his lifetime by reconstructing the popular Obinagu Road and the adjoining Chief Mike Ejeagha Crescent leading directly to his residence in Abakpa Nike, Enugu, a long wish of the icon left unfulfilled by successive administrations in the state, and by renaming Obinagu Road as Chief Mike Ejeagha Road in his honour, assured that his government would further immortalise the legend in death.
Taking to his verified social media handles, @PNMbah, on Saturday, the governor paid a heartfelt tribute to the Enugu-born musician
His words, “I’m profoundly saddened by the death of music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.
“Mike Ejeagha was a legend, a cultural ambassador and a revered son of Enugu State.
“He was one of the finest musicians of his generation with an easygoing personality and humility that belied his towering celebrity status.
“I will always cherish fond memories of the time spent in his company – the warmth and wisdom he radiated; the joy he found in the ordinary.
“This is a loss not only for his immediate family; it’s a big loss for Enugu State, the entire music community, and the country as well.
“Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures.
“Ejeagha’s fan-base transcended boundaries. He was easily one of the most recognizable voices in music.
“His death leaves a huge void that will be difficult to fill. But the legacies he has left behind will last a lifetime.
“On behalf of the Enugu State government, I offer heartfelt condolences to the Ejeagha family, and assure them of our support.
“As a government, we would ensure that his memory is duly immortalized.
“Above all, I pray that his family experiences the comforting grace of God’s love, and the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Ejeaghha was guardian of Igbo Tradition -
Atiku
Also, reacting to Ejeagha death, the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, paid glowing tribute to late highlife legend, describing him as guardian of Igbo tradition
Atiku who joined Nigerians in mourning the legendary highlife musician, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, described the late artist as more than just a musician, noting that he was “a storyteller, teacher, and guardian of Igbo oral tradition.”
Taking to his official social media accounts, Atiku expressed his admiration and respect for the cultural icon.
His word, “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha was more than a musician; he was a storyteller, a teacher, and a guardian of Igbo oral tradition. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
"Ejeagha, widely known for his composed personality and rich lyrical heritage, earned the nickname 'Gentleman' for his soft-spoken nature and graceful delivery in music.
"His influence spanned decades, with many of his songs becoming cultural anthems in Igbo-speaking regions and across Nigeria.
"The highlife veteran recently returned to the spotlight after a heartfelt and widely shared visit from comedian and skit maker Brain Jotter, who brought attention to the musician’s legacy and living conditions.
“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,” referencing the artist’s iconic vocal style and the emotional impact of the visit, which reignited nationwide appreciation for his work."
Taking to his official social media accounts, Atiku expressed his admiration and respect for the cultural icon.
His word, “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha was more than a musician; he was a storyteller, a teacher, and a guardian of Igbo oral tradition. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
"Ejeagha, widely known for his composed personality and rich lyrical heritage, earned the nickname 'Gentleman' for his soft-spoken nature and graceful delivery in music.
"His influence spanned decades, with many of his songs becoming cultural anthems in Igbo-speaking regions and across Nigeria.
"The highlife veteran recently returned to the spotlight after a heartfelt and widely shared visit from comedian and skit maker Brain Jotter, who brought attention to the musician’s legacy and living conditions.
“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,” referencing the artist’s iconic vocal style and the emotional impact of the visit, which reignited nationwide appreciation for his work."
What's Your Reaction?
