Renowned highlife musician and folklorist, Mike Ejeagha, has passed on at the age of 95.
It was gathered that Ejeagha died late Friday night at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, following a prolonged illness.
His death was confirmed by his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, during a telephone conversation.
Mike Ejeagha was celebrated for his mastery in transforming Igbo folklore and proverbs into captivating musical narratives that educated and entertained generations.
His unique style of storytelling through music dominated Nigerian airwaves in the 1980s and earned him a revered place in the country’s cultural history.
One of his most iconic tracks, “Gwogwogwo,” gained renewed attention last year after popular stand-up comedian and skitmaker Brian Potter remixed the song, introducing it to a younger audience and sparking a resurgence of interest in Ejeagha’s work.
With a career spanning several decades, Ejeagha’s contributions to the preservation and promotion of Igbo language and culture through highlife music remain unmatched.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the country, as fans, cultural institutions, and fellow musicians remember his profound impact on traditional music and his legacy as a custodian of oral tradition.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
