Veteran Nigerian highlife musician and folklorist, Mike Ejeagha, has passed away at the age of 95 following a long battle with prostate cancer.
His son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed the sad development in a telephone conversation on Saturday, revealing that the legendary musician died at 8 p.m. on Friday night at the 32 Garrison Hospital, Enugu.
“Papa battled prostate cancer for 16 years,” Emma said. “He was first diagnosed in 2006 and had been in and out of the hospital since then. Two weeks ago, his health deteriorated again and he was rushed to the hospital. Though he was briefly stabilized and discharged, we had to take him back last Tuesday. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it.”
Emma, who was with his father in his final moments, described him as “a peace-loving man and a genius.”
“I was by his side when he passed. His body has now been deposited at the mortuary. I’ll be meeting with the rest of the family in the morning to formally break the news,” he said.
According to Emma, his father had left behind specific instructions regarding his death. “He told me not to embalm his body or keep it too long in the morgue,” he disclosed.
Mike Ejeagha was widely regarded as one of the greatest proponents of Igbo highlife and folk music. A storyteller through sound, his career spanned over six decades and played a significant role in preserving traditional Igbo folklore through music.
In 2024, his 1983 song “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” gained new popularity after it featured in a viral comedy dance skit by comedian Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie, popularly known as Brain Jotter. The skit launched a global dance challenge that introduced a new generation to Ejeagha’s timeless music.
The renewed fame rekindled public appreciation for the music legend, prompting fans and well-wishers to pay visits to his Enugu residence. “People came from all walks of life to pay homage. That moment brought back smiles to Papa’s face,” Emma recalled.
During this resurgence, Ejeagha began receiving long-overdue royalties and saw a major honor bestowed upon him—an Enugu road was renamed after him in recognition of his contribution to culture and music.
Describing his legacy, cultural enthusiasts have hailed Ejeagha as a pioneer whose music married wisdom, proverbs, and entertainment. His lyrical storytelling in the Igbo language educated and captivated millions.
“He gave the world not just music, but cultural knowledge,” said one mourner who visited the Enugu residence last year. “His works are archives of Igbo philosophy.”
