- On June 7, news broke out of the death of legendary Igbo musician, Mike Ejeagha at 95 years old
- Ejeagha was born on 4 April 1930 in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu, Enugu State
- Tinubu, Gov. Mbah, Obi, Atiku, Others pay tribute to the legendary musician
On June 7, news broke out of the death of legendary Igbo musician, Mike Ejeagha. The death of the iconic musician was coming after few years of protracted illness and seemed like a rejuvenation of his music by some good spirited Nigerians.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the death of Mike Ejeagha also known as “Gentleman Mike Ejiagha” sent a shock wave in the South East region, nay entire Nigeria given the popularity of his music.
Mike Ejeagha 4 April 1930 – 6 June 2025 was a Nigerian folklorist, songwriter, and musician. Also known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha”, Ejeagha started his music career in the mid-20th century. He was an influential figure in the evolution of Igbo music genre.
Early life and career
Ejeagha was born on 4 April 1930 in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu, Enugu State. His father was a civil servant who worked with the Ministry of Health in Enugu. Ejeagha attended St. Patrick’s Primary School, Ogbete, Enugu.
At a young age, he played ogene with his friends. In 1945, he joined Coal Camp Boys, a local music group in Enugu. After completing his primary education in 1948, he continued to pursue his passion for music. In 1949 at the age of 20, he became an apprentice, learning hairdressing with his friend Cyprain Ozochiawa, who was a barber and musician. He also learnt how to play guitar.
Music career
Ejeagha was invited by Joseph Ogbu to join his band as a guitarist in 1950. Following his performance, he was called for an audition by Atu Ona who was the controller of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service, and was later offered a radio program Guitar Playtime, where he performed on radio and produced musical programs. During this time, he formed Premier Dance Band.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that during the Biafran War, Ejeagha disbanded his music group but continued to perform a radio program Igbo paly on Radio Nigeria. Because of the war, he left Enugu for Umuahia, where he stayed until the war ended. Prior to the war, Ejeagha had released several singles in collaboration with CT Onyekwelu, including: “The unfortunate lady” (1957), “colliery massacre” (1959), and “Ofu nwanne” (1959).
After the war, he was invited by the Nigerian Television Authority as a guest presenter for an Igbo program akuko N egwu in 1972; the program featured folksong lyrically composed by Ejeagha and his group. The program was a success and gave rise to the Igbo expression “Akuko Mike Ejeagha”.
Ejeagha plays his music with guitar and his lyrics were written in Igbo language. He has contributed over three hundred recordings to the National Archives of Nigeria.
In 2018, Nigerian singer Kcee visited him inorder to be permitted to use some of his songs, including: “Ome ka agu” and “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”. On 12 September 2022, Pulse NG reported that a documentary film about Ejeagha titled Gentleman was under production.
In July 2024, his 1983 song, “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”, gained widespread recognition due to a viral dance challenge inspired by comedian Brain Jotter. On September 2, 2024, Peter Mbah renamed the Abakpa Road after Ejeagha.
Controversies
Ejeagha had a court case which was finalised in 2013 with his record label Premier Records, as a result of producing a music video without the label’s approval. The case was withdrawn when Enugu State Government intervened in the matter.
Personal life and death
Ejeagha married his first wife in 1959, having three children before her death in 1963. He remarried in 1965 and had seven more children.
Ejeagha died on 6 June 2025 in Enugu, Nigeria after a long illness, at the age of 95.
Discography
Akanchawa, Uwa Ngbede Ka Mma, Elulube Lube, Ezi Nwa Mgbeke, Enyi Ga Achi, Onye Uri Utaba, Ife Nji M’Ogo, Atualu Omalu, Ebini New Ude, Mgba Enwude, Udeze nwa nnem,O di ka adi eme,Udo ka nma, Ome ka agu, Elulubelube, Makojo, Anene otulukpa, Onye nwee o na-ebe onye enwero o na- eb, amongst others.
Obi, Tinubu, Mbah pay tribute to the legend
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the death of renowned highlife musician and folklorist, Mike Ejeagha, describing his passing as a significant loss to Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President acknowledged Ejeagha’s enduring impact on Nigerian music, particularly his role in preserving Igbo folklore through his distinct lyrical style and narrative-rich compositions.
“Mike Ejeagha was one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language,” Tinubu said, noting that the artist’s work served as both entertainment and cultural documentation.
“His songs, built on proverbial wisdom and oral tradition, inspired generations and upheld our heritage.”
Continuing, further said that “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,” the President stated.
Tinubu also commended the Enugu State Government for honouring Ejeagha during his lifetime. He acknowledged the efforts of Governor Peter Mbah in recognising the contributions of the musician and ensuring that his legacy did not go unnoticed.
“I appreciate the steps taken by the Enugu State Government to celebrate this icon while he was still alive,” Tinubu noted, adding that such gestures reinforce the importance of valuing cultural figures.
The President concluded his message with a prayer for Ejeagha’s peaceful rest and for comfort to those grieving his death. “May God Almighty grant repose to his soul and console his family, friends, and fans who mourn this loss.”
Ejeagha passed away on Friday evening at the age of 95 after a prolonged illness. His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed to journalists in Enugu that his father died around 8 pm at the 32 Garrison Hospital.
“My father passed away due to a long-standing ailment,” he said, adding that the family is still coming to terms with the loss.
The late musician, often referred to as “Gentleman,” was a household name in Nigeria’s highlife and folk music scenes for several decades, with a career that blended music and oral tradition to shape public consciousness.
At the same time, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigerian highlife legend and folklorist, describing his death as an immense loss to Enugu State, the music industry, and Nigerian cultural heritage.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on his verified social media handles, Governor Mbah said Ejeagha’s death leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, praising him as a humble, iconic figure whose influence transcended borders.
“I’m profoundly saddened by the death of music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha. He was a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State,” the governor wrote. “Mike Ejeagha was one of the finest musicians of his generation , with an easygoing personality and humility that belied his towering celebrity status. I will always cherish fond memories of our time together , the warmth and wisdom he radiated, and the joy he found in life’s simplicity.”
He noted that Ejeagha’s genius lay in his ability to transform indigenous Igbo folktales into timeless, melodious highlife songs that continue to resonate across cultures.
“This is not only a personal loss but a significant blow to Enugu State, the music community, and the entire nation. His music educated, inspired, and entertained generations. His distinctive voice and storytelling were unmatched,” Mbah added.
The governor also recounted efforts made by his administration to honour Ejeagha during his lifetime, including the reconstruction of Obinagu Road and the adjoining Chief Mike Ejeagha Crescent leading to the musician’s residence in Abakpa Nike — a long-standing dream unfulfilled by past governments. The road was subsequently renamed Chief Mike Ejeagha Road in his honour.
He assured that the state government will further immortalise the late musician.
“His death leaves a huge void, but his legacy will endure. On behalf of the government and people of Enugu State, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Ejeagha family and assure them of our continued support. Above all, I pray that they experience God’s comfort and the strength to bear this loss,” the governor said.
Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “I just read the sad news of the passing of the legendary highlife musician, songwriter, folklorist, and cultural custodian, Pa Mike Ejeagha.
“His 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, “he said.
He praised Ejeagha for using music as a tool for teaching, healing, and preserving the philosophical depth of Igbo culture.
“For over six decades, Pa Ejeagha, popularly known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people.
“His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old… He immortalised the essence of life—its humour, discipline, spirituality, and resilience,” he said.
Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reflected on the resurgence of Ejeagha’s music, thanks to Brain jotter: “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.”
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that Late Mike Ejeagha was buried on Saturday evening following his earlier directives that he should not be taken to mortuary.
His funeral date is yet to be announced by the family.
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