Renowned Nigerian highlife icon and cultural custodian, “Gentleman” Mike Ejeagha, has passed on at the age of 95, marking the end of an era in the nation’s musical and folkloric history.
Ejeagha, the celebrated crooner behind the evergreen hit “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwogwogwongwo),” breathed his last on Friday evening around 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu State after a protracted illness that gradually silenced one of the most revered voices in Igbo music.
His passing was confirmed by his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, who appealed to Nigerians to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers during this sorrowful period. He noted that burial arrangements would be announced at a later date, promising that the veteran’s final journey will befit his towering legacy.
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Mike Ejeagha was not just a musician — he was a living repository of Igbo oral tradition. Launching his musical journey in the mid-20th century, Ejeagha rose to national prominence in the 1960s and 1980s with soul-stirring tracks such as “Omekagu,” “Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma,” and the widely celebrated “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche,” a song that earned him the affectionate nickname “Gwogwogwongwo.”
Ejeagha’s music was more than entertainment — it was an archive of wisdom, rich in Igbo idioms, folktales, and moral lessons. His unique ability to blend captivating rhythms with cultural storytelling earned him a permanent seat in Nigeria’s musical hall of fame.
A fierce advocate for the preservation of African traditions, Ejeagha’s contribution went beyond the stage. His legacy includes over 300 audio recordings, many of which are housed in the National Archives of Nigeria — a testament to his pivotal role in safeguarding Igbo heritage through song.
Even in the twilight of his life, Ejeagha remained a force. In 2024, four decades after its release, his classic “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” sparked a viral dance challenge across social media, bridging generations and reaffirming his influence among the youth. The resurgence not only revived his catalogue but also introduced his philosophical lyricism to a new wave of admirers worldwide.
Mike Ejeagha’s passing has been met with deep sorrow across the music community and cultural landscape. Tributes have poured in from fans, fellow musicians, and cultural stakeholders, all hailing him as a national treasure and one of the greatest folklorists Nigeria has ever produced.
While the physical voice of Ejeagha may be silent, his songs will continue to sing in the hearts of millions, echoing the values, wit, and wisdom of Igbo heritage.
As Nigeria mourns the loss of a legend, one truth remains unshaken — Mike Ejeagha didn’t just sing songs; he told the stories of a people, and those stories will never die.
PIONEER NEWS 