Nigeria has lost one of its greatest music icons. Mike Ejeagha, a well-known Highlife musician and cultural legend, passed away on Friday night at 8:00pm at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu. He was 95 years old.
His death was confirmed by his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, after a long illness that had kept him away from public events in recent years.
A Man of Music and Culture
Mike Ejeagha was more than just a musician. He was a storyteller, teacher, and protector of Igbo culture. He became famous for his 1983 hit song “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo”, but what made him truly special was how he used his music to share Igbo proverbs, life lessons, and traditional stories.
His deep voice, beautiful guitar playing, and wise lyrics made him a household name across Nigeria, especially during the 1980s and 1990s.
A New Generation Discovers His Music
In 2024, his classic song “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” became popular again after it was featured in a viral dance challenge by popular comedian and content creator Brain Jotter (real name Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzi). This helped a whole new generation discover Mike Ejeagha’s music and appreciate his message.
A Life Dedicated to Preserving Culture
Mike Ejeagha spent much of his life preserving Igbo traditions and wisdom. He worked on radio shows and other projects to record and protect old songs, proverbs, and folk tales, making sure that young people and future generations could learn from them.
His work was not just music — it was also a way of keeping history and culture alive.
A Huge Loss for Nigeria
Mike Ejeagha’s death is not just the loss of a musician — it is the end of an important chapter in Nigeria’s cultural history. He showed that music can be more than entertainment — it can teach, inspire, and connect people to their roots.
Tributes are expected to come in from musicians, traditional leaders, fans, and politicians across the country as Nigeria says goodbye to a true musical legend.
