Highlife Legend Mike Ejeagha Dies at 95 — End of an Era in Nigerian Music

Mike Ejeagha dies at 95, Highlife legend Mike Ejeagha, Igbo folklore music, Nigerian Highlife music, Mike Ejeagha biography

Nigeria Mourns the Loss of a Cultural Icon

Renowned Highlife maestro and cultural custodian, Mike Ejeagha, has passed away at the age of 95. The music world, particularly lovers of traditional Igbo folklore and Highlife, is mourning the demise of a legend whose impact transcended music and touched the core of Nigerian storytelling.

Ejeagha, popularly known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” died on the evening of Friday, June 6, 2025, at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu. His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed the sad news in a heartfelt telephone conversation with Vanguard Newspaper. (Source)

A Life Dedicated to Preserving Igbo Folklore

Mike Ejeagha wasn’t just a musician — he was a custodian of oral tradition. His music masterfully wove Igbo proverbs, wise sayings, and moral lessons into melodic Highlife rhythms. Born in August 1930 in Enugu State, Ejeagha began his music career in the 1950s and gained widespread acclaim by the 1980s.

His songs, often infused with humorous yet instructive tales, became popular across generations. Classics like “Omekagu,” “Uwa Mgbede,” and the recently resurfaced “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” became staples in households and on the airwaves. His music became a bridge between the past and present — modern Highlife wrapped in ancestral wisdom.

Viral Resurgence Through Modern Media

Despite his age and absence from the mainstream spotlight, Mike Ejeagha experienced a resurgence of popularity in 2024. His 1983 song “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” became the sound behind a viral TikTok and Instagram challenge led by comedian Brain Jotter, reintroducing his artistry to younger audiences. (Wikipedia)

Enduring Legacy of Mike Ejeagha

Beyond the music, Mike Ejeagha contributed significantly to the documentation of Igbo oral tradition. Through a UNESCO-supported project in the 1980s, he archived over 300 Igbo folktales and songs, preserving them for future generations. His life’s work was not only a cultural treasure but also a scholarly asset.

Ejeagha’s storytelling style often included:

• Proverbs with deep moral lessons
• Stories of community life and traditional values
• Musical instrumentation rooted in Highlife with traditional Igbo percussion

His influence inspired generations of Highlife and Afrocentric musicians, including Oliver De Coque, Sir Warrior, and more recently, contemporary folk artists.

Tributes Pour In From Across Nigeria and Beyond

Tributes have poured in from musicians, politicians, media professionals, and cultural custodians. Many hailed Mike Ejeagha as one of the last great pillars of authentic Nigerian Highlife music.

Cultural activist and music historian Uchenna Ikonne wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“Mike Ejeagha wasn’t just a musician — he was a moving library of Igbo culture. His death is a huge loss, but his legacy is eternal.”

H3: What the Public Can Learn From Mike Ejeagha’s Life

Mike Ejeagha’s journey teaches the importance of:

• Preserving indigenous culture
• Infusing art with education
• Building legacies beyond fame

He lived a life of simplicity, creativity, and purpose. His music will continue to echo in the hearts of Nigerians and the diaspora.

Final Words

As Nigeria bids farewell to Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, it is clear his voice will never be silenced. His songs, stories, and proverbs have become timeless echoes of wisdom that generations will continue to cherish.

May his soul rest in peace.

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