Mike Ejeagha, renowned as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, passed away on June 6, 2025, at the age of 95 in Enugu. His six-decade career cemented him as a key figure in Igbo cultural music. Here are 20 definitive facts about his life and legacy:
1. He was born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State.
2. His stage name reflected his gentle, respectful nature
3. He began performing on the ogene (gong) in elementary school
4. In 1945, he joined the Coal Camp Boys group in Enugu
5. He learned to play guitar in 1949 while apprenticing as a barber
6. He joined Joseph Ogbu’s band as a guitarist in 1950
7. He hosted Guitar Playtime on Nigerian Broadcasting Service
8. He founded his own Premier Dance Band
9. During the Biafran War, he continued folk broadcasts even after dissolving his band.
10. His early singles included The Unfortunate Lady (1957), Colliery Massacre (1959), and Ofu Nwanne.
11. In 1972, he began presenting Akuko N’Egwu on NTA, blending storytelling and song.
12. He composed solely in Igbo, using proverbs and folk tales.
13. He donated more than 300 recordings to the National Archives of Nigeria.
14. His notable songs include Omekagu, Uwa Ngbede Ka Mma and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche
15. Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche first released in 1983 and resurged in 2024 through social media
16. The “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” chorus in that song inspired a viral dance trend led by Brain Jotter.
17. The dance challenge tallied millions of views and likes across Instagram and TikTok
18. Governor Peter Mbah renamed Obinagu Road in Abakpa Nike to Mike Ejeagha Road in 2024
19. His 1983 song reached the Apple Music Nigeria Top 100 at age 94
20. Upon his death, tributes poured in from President Tinubu, Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and cultural communities .
“Thirty‑nine years later, we danced to it again,” recalled Brain Jotter about the viral trend
These facts highlight Mike Ejeagha’s pioneering contributions as a musician, cultural archivist and storyteller. From playing traditional instruments and forming early bands, to influencing generations through Igbo folklore in song, his work bridged generations and mediums. His viral renaissance in his 90s demonstrated that authentic cultural expression transcends time. The street named in his honor ensures his legacy endures in Enugu’s urban landscape.
Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary era but his music, recordings, and influence will continue to shape Igbo culture, highlife music, and Nigeria’s heritage.
