Nigerian highlife icon and cultural custodian, Mike Ejeagha, has died at 95 following a 16-year battle with prostate cancer. Known for transforming Igbo folklore into music, he left behind over six decades of legacy and 300 documented songs.
- Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006, Ejeagha died Friday night at the Military Hospital, Enugu
- His son, Emma, confirmed the passing and shared how his father's condition worsened two weeks prior
- Known for “Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” which went viral in 2023 through a Brain Jotter skit
- Received renewed fame, royalties, and a street named after him during the viral moment
- President Tinubu, Enugu Gov. Peter Mbah, and Minister Hannatu Musawa led national tributes
Ejeagha wasn’t just a musician, he was a walking archive of Igbo culture. His deep baritone, proverb-laden songs, and folktale-inspired lyrics made him a living legend. For decades, he educated and entertained through music when cultural documentation was scarce.
Gov. Mbah says the Enugu State Government will immortalise him further. Fans and cultural advocates are also calling on the Federal Government to honour his legacy formally.
