Mike Ejeagha, the celebrated Nigerian highlife musician and folklorist, has died at the age of 95.
He passed away on Friday evening around 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after a long illness, according to his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha.
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha, affectionately known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” was a pioneer of Igbo highlife music and a dedicated preserver of indigenous folklore through his songs.
His illustrious career, which began in the 1950s, was marked by his unique blend of Igbo proverbs and cultural teachings embedded in his music.
Beyond entertainment, Mike Ejeagha played a crucial role in preserving Igbo heritage, having recorded over 300 traditional songs archived by the National Archives of Nigeria.
His music saw a resurgence in 2024 when one of his classic tracks sparked a viral dance challenge, introducing his work to a new generation of fans.
He had been living with prostate cancer for 16 years before his death. His family described him as a peaceful and brilliant man.
