ENUGU, Nigeria — Mike ‘Gentleman’ Ejeagha, one of Nigeria’s most iconic highlife musicians and cultural custodians, has died at the age of 95.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah confirmed the death in a heartfelt tribute posted on X, describing Ejeagha as a “legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State” whose influence transcended generations.
“I’m profoundly saddened by the death of the music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” Mbah wrote.
“He was one of the finest musicians of his generation, with an easygoing personality and a humility that belied his towering celebrity status.”
Known for his distinctive narrative style, Ejeagha’s music blended indigenous folktales with philosophical wisdom, often rendered in the Igbo language.
Songs such as Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche helped preserve traditional storytelling in musical form, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of folklore-driven highlife music.
Governor Mbah praised Ejeagha’s ability to turn “simple indigenous folktales into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures.”
He added, “His fan-base transcended boundaries, and he was easily one of the most recognisable voices in music.”
Though he had stepped back from the limelight in recent years, Ejeagha saw a revival of popularity in 2024 when comedian and skit maker Brain Jotter used his music in viral dance content on social media.
In recognition of his cultural contributions, the Enugu State government in 2024 rebuilt and renamed Obinagu Road in Abakpa Nike in his honour.
“His death leaves a huge void that will be difficult to fill. But the legacies he has left behind will last a lifetime,” Mbah added.
“As a government, we will ensure that his memory is duly immortalised.”
Ejeagha began his career in the 1950s and was instrumental in shaping highlife music in Eastern Nigeria.
For over six decades, he remained a steadfast promoter of Igbo musical heritage and is credited with preserving numerous folk songs through his recordings and live performances.
Born in Enugu State, Mike Ejeagha became a household name not only for his music but for his role in promoting moral values and traditional wisdom through lyrics delivered in rich proverbs and melodic storytelling.
He is survived by his family, who are yet to announce funeral arrangements.
Governor Mbah extended the state’s condolences to the Ejeagha family and prayed for them to find strength in the face of their loss.
“Above all, I pray that his family experiences the comforting grace of God’s love, and the fortitude to bear the loss. Rest in peace, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” he said.
I’m profoundly saddened by the death of the music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.
Mike Ejeagha was a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State. He was one of the finest musicians of his generation, with an easygoing personality and a humility that belied his… pic.twitter.com/yw3GcKpUHM
— Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (@PNMbah) June 7, 2025
