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Jun
Jun
MIKE EJEAGHA, POPULAR NIGERIAN FOLKLORE HIGHLIFE LEGEND, PASSES AWAY AT 95
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CapitalTimesNews / 2 weeks
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- 2 min read
Renowned Nigerian musician Mike Ejeagha, celebrated for blending traditional Igbo folklore and proverbs into his distinctive musical style, has passed away at the age of 95. Ejeagha died on Friday night at around 8 pm at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after a long illness, confirmed his eldest son, Emmanuel Ejeagha. “Gentleman Mike,” as he was affectionately known, rose to national prominence in the 1980s with his rich storytelling approach to music, resonating deeply across generations. His legacy continues to influence Highlife and Igbo music traditions. Ejeagha was particularly known for his scintillating traditional storytelling ability woven into songs, known as “Akuko n’Egwu” or “Stories In Music”. One of his most popular songs, “Gwogwogwo ngwo,” tells the story of how the tortoise gave out the elephant as a bride price to marry the King’s daughter. This song showcases his unique ability to craft engaging narratives through music. According to reports, Ejeagha had been battling prostate cancer for 16 years. The Enugu State Government has expressed sadness over his death, with Governor Peter Mbah promising to immortalize the music icon. “The legend had created a void that can never be filled,” Mbah said, mourning Ejeagha’s passing. Ejeagha’s impact on Igbo culture and music will endure, leaving behind a timeless legacy of hits like “Omekagu” and “Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma”. His death has been met with an outpouring of tributes, cementing his place as one of Nigeria’s most beloved musicians.
