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The Nigerian music industry is in deep mourning as beloved highlife and folklore icon Sir Mike Ejeagha has passed away at the age of 95. The musician, known for his timeless song Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo, died on Friday, 6 June 2025, at Garrison Hospital in Enugu after a prolonged illness.
Ejeagha, affectionately known as “Gentleman Mike”, was celebrated for his soulful melodies and captivating storytelling that kept Igbo culture alive through music.
Born in Imezi-Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ejeagha began his musical journey in the 1950s when he formed Mike Ejeagha and the Merrymakers. His 1960 hit Ofu Nwa Anaa and albums such as Omekagu and Akuko Na Egwu earned him widespread respect for blending Igbo folklore with highlife rhythms.
His 1984 song Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche, featuring the catchy Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo chant, experienced a global resurgence in 2024 thanks to comedian Brain Jotter, who used it in a viral dance challenge that brought Ejeagha’s music to a new generation.
Fans across Nigeria and beyond are heartbroken at the news.
@Gist\_Reports wrote on X: “Mike Ejeagha was celebrated for transforming Igbo folklore into captivating musical narratives that educated and entertained.”
@vdmempire added: “Thank God he enjoyed life a bit before he passed,” referring to Brain Jotter’s N2 million gift to the music legend last year.
@AfamDeluxo commented: “He didn’t just sing; he taught, he preserved, he inspired.”
In 2024, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah honoured Ejeagha by renaming Obinagu Road after him and pledging to cover his upkeep, calling him a living legend who put Enugu on the arts and culture map.
Mike Ejeagha’s music, filled with proverbs and moral lessons, has left a timeless legacy that will continue to resonate.
@okwuotunes shared: “We’re grateful for the wisdom he shared. Rest well, Onyeakukonaegwu.”
Nigerians everywhere are urged to say a prayer for his peaceful rest as his unforgettable voice continues to echo through the ages.
