…end of an era for Igbo music and oral tradition
The Nigerian music world is in mourning following the death of Mike Ejeagha, revered Highlife veteran and cultural custodian, who passed away on Friday night at 8:00pm at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu.
He was 95 years old.
His passing was confirmed by his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, after a protracted illness that had kept the legend out of the public eye in recent years.
Widely known for his signature 1983 hit, “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” Mike Ejeagha was more than a musician, he was a living archive of Igbo proverbs, oral history, and traditional wisdom, which he masterfully infused into his lyrics.
His deep baritone voice, rhythmic guitar work, and storytelling prowess made him a staple on Nigerian airwaves throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
Ejeagha’s influence extended across generations, and his music found new life in 2024, when popular comedian and digital influencer Brain Jotter (Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzi) resurrected “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” in a viral dance challenge that swept through social media, introducing the timeless classic to a global audience.
Cultural Titan, Musical Archivist
Often referred to as a custodian of Igbo folklore, Ejeagha dedicated much of his later life to preserving traditional music and proverbs through academic and radio projects.
His contribution to Nigerian culture was not just artistic but anthropological, ensuring that generations unborn would have access to the moral and philosophical heritage of the Igbo people.
His death signals not just the loss of an individual, but the quiet fading of an era in which music was not just entertainment, but education, culture, and identity.
Tributes are expected to pour in from across the entertainment industry, traditional institutions, and political circles as Nigeria mourns one of its finest musical storytellers.
Credit: Nigeria Politics except headline
