Nigerians mourn legendary highlife musician Mike Ejeagha

Widely celebrated for the distinctive “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” refrain from his classic track ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’, the late musician saw a resurgence in popularity after local comedian Brain Jotter featured the sound in a viral dance video. The catchy phrase soon went viral, with numerous comedians incorporating it into their skits and social media reels.

The resurgence propelled Ejeagha to make history as Nigeria’s oldest artist to enter the Apple Music Nigeria Top 100.

Ejeagha, famously known as “Gentleman Mike,” passed away in Enugu City. His eldest son, Emmanuel Ejeagha, confirmed the news about the death of his father. The veteran artist had been admitted following a health crisis two weeks ago and, despite a temporary stabilisation and discharge, was rushed back to hospital, where he ultimately passed away.

President Bola Tinubu, former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar, and other dignitaries expressed profound sorrow at his passing, acknowledging his role in preserving Igbo culture through music.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State described Ejeagha as “a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State,” promising to immortalise his legacy.

Minister Hannatu Musawa of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy called his death a monumental loss, highlighting the national value of his extensive archive and cultural preservation efforts.

Born on 4 April 1930 in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha enjoyed a six‑decade career in which he composed over 300 songs. His music, written in Igbo and enriched with proverbs and traditional storytelling, became a vital link to cultural heritage and moral instruction. Ejeagha’s baritone delivery combined with guitar and highlife rhythms earned him the title “Gentleman Mike.” His work was not simply entertainment, it served as a moral compass and oral history for his community. Further honours during his lifetime included the renaming of a road in Enugu State after him in September 2024. His songs remain archived at the National Archives of Nigeria as part of cultural preservation initiatives.

A private burial took place at his Imezi‑Owa residence within 24 hours of his death, honouring his final wish.