Igbo music legend, Mike Ejeagha
By DAVID IORJA, Abuja-
The Nigerian music scene is mourning the loss of legendary highlife musician, Mike Ejeagha, also known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, who passed away at 95.
Prominent Nigerian leaders have extended their condolences to the family, friends, and fans of the late music legend.
Condolence messages from leaders:
Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu,in a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga said: “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 commended the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, for honouring the music icon while he was still alive.
He prayed for the soul of the departed to rest in eternal peace and for comfort to be given to those mourning him.
Tinubu described Ejeagha as one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language, noting that he used his music and distinctive storytelling style to preserve and project Igbo culture and customs, inspiring generations.
Also, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, said : “His (Mike Ejeagha) 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 described Ejeagha as a “cultural custodian” who used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people. In a separate event,
He emphasized the importance of hard work and acquiring skills, saying, “I do not believe in acquiring wealth all over the world that is not for your immediate need — what for?
” If people understand life in a simple manner, the urge to get rich by all means will not exist, and life will be more meaningful to all”.
Similarly, the 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in his tribute via his X handle on Saturday, said: “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”.
Atiku acknowledged Ejeagha’s significant contributions to Nigerian music and culture, noting that his legacy would live on through his work.
A Legacy Remembered
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the late Mike Ejeagha’s music career spanned over six decades, during which he used his art to teach, heal, and preserve the moral and philosophical wealth of the Igbo people.
His songs, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, served as moral compasses for both young and old.
Recently, his track “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” (Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo) gained renewed popularity after being used in a viral dance challenge by Brain Jotter, introducing his work to a new generation.
