Veteran Nigerian highlife musician, Mike Ejeagha, renowned for his lyrical storytelling and the timeless refrain “gwo gwo gwo ngwo,” has passed away at the age of 95.
Okay.ng reports that Ejeagha died on Friday at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after battling a protracted illness, according to his eldest son, Emmanuel Ejeagha.
“My father passed away due to a long-standing ailment,” Emmanuel told journalists while confirming the death of the music icon.
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Mike Ejeagha was a pioneer of the Igbo highlife sound, known for his deep baritone voice, witty proverbs, and a unique blend of folk storytelling and philosophical lyrics.
Ejeagha’s musical journey began in elementary school in Enugu, where his passion for music blossomed. He founded his first band, ‘Mike Ejeagha and Merry-makers,’ in 1950, and went on to release numerous hits that resonated deeply with audiences across Nigeria.
His celebrated songs include “Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma,” “Omekagu,” and the 1983 classic “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche,” which re-entered the cultural spotlight in 2024 after its catchy refrain “gwo gwo gwo ngwo” sparked a viral dance challenge led by content creator Chukwuebuka Amuzie, popularly known as Brain Jotter.
