Nigeria has lost one of its most revered musical legends, Chief Mike Ejeagha, a pioneer of Igbo highlife music and a master storyteller who seamlessly wove folklore, idioms, and proverbs into timeless melodies.
He passed away on the evening of Friday, June 6, 2025, at 32 Garrison Hospital, Enugu, after a prolonged illness. He was 95 years old.
Born in Enugu, Mike Ejeagha became a cultural force in Nigerian music, especially during the 1980s, when his unique brand of Igbo folk highlife ruled the airwaves. His music was more than entertainment—it was a form of education and cultural preservation, using wit and wisdom to transmit values, proverbs, and ancient stories to audiences both old and young.
Though already a household name, Ejeagha found renewed fame in July 2024 when one of his classic tracks unexpectedly went viral. Popular Nigerian comedian and content creator Brain Jotter used the track in a trending dance challenge that took social media by storm.
The routine featured two people performing a comical leg dance—often facing opposite directions, walking toward each other, engaging in dramatic steps, and then playfully chasing one another to the rhythm of the catchy chorus, “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo.”
The song, a folkloric tale about a clever tortoise outwitting an elephant, captivated a new generation and reignited widespread interest in traditional Igbo storytelling. It also sparked conversations about preserving indigenous music and folklore in the digital age
Through this unexpected renaissance, Mike Ejeagha’s music once again served its core purpose: to educate, entertain, and culturally enrich.
In recognition of his immense contributions to music and Igbo heritage, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, paid a personal visit to the legendary musician in September 2024.
During the visit, Governor Mbah renamed the street leading to Ejeagha’s residence in his honour and pledged that the state government would take full responsibility for his medical care and welfare. It was a rare and heartfelt tribute to a living legend whose work defined an era.
Until his death, Ejeagha remained a symbol of artistic integrity and cultural pride. Through decades of dedication, he not only entertained millions but also archived hundreds of traditional Igbo songs and tales—many of which are now stored at the Nigerian Music Archives for future generations.
Mike Ejeagha’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigerian music history, but his legacy will live on through the countless proverbs, parables, and melodies he left behind. He is survived by his children and grandchildren, and mourned by fans across Nigeria and the Igbo-speaking world.