Highlife Legend Mike Ejeagha Dies at 95
Renowned Highlife music icon, Mike Ejeagha, has passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a lasting legacy of cultural preservation and storytelling through music.
Ejeagha died on the evening of Friday, June 6, 2025, around 8 p.m., at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after a prolonged illness.
His death marks the end of an era for traditional Igbo music and folklore, which he masterfully brought to life through his compositions for decades.
A dominant figure on Nigerian radio throughout the 1980s, Ejeagha was celebrated for his unique ability to weave Igbo proverbs, oral traditions, and folklore into Highlife rhythms, preserving indigenous wisdom through melody.
His music served not only as entertainment but also as moral instruction, passing down ancestral knowledge in a language and style accessible to all.
In July 2024, Ejeagha gained renewed fame when popular skit maker Brain Jotter featured his song in a viral dance challenge.
The track—featuring a tale of a clever tortoise tricking an elephant—captivated a new generation online with a humorous dance routine that included synchronized steps, playful chases, and the catchy chorus “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo.”
His newfound popularity sparked a cultural revival of sorts, with many young Nigerians rediscovering the richness of traditional storytelling embedded in his songs.
Recognizing his contributions, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah visited the ailing music legend in September 2024, renamed the street leading to his residence in his honor, and committed to covering all his medical and personal expenses—a gesture of respect for Ejeagha’s immense impact on Igbo identity and music.
Mike Ejeagha’s death has been met with mourning and tributes from across Nigeria and beyond, as fans and fellow musicians reflect on his life’s work. He leaves behind a treasure trove of recordings and a cultural imprint that will inspire generations to come.
Highlife Legend Mike Ejeagha Dies at 95