•Tinubu, Atiku, Musawa, Mbah mourn
Veteran highlife musician, Mike Ejeagha, who died on Friday night at 32 Garrison Hospital, Enugu at the age of 95, has been buried.
The legendary artiste was laid to rest on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at his country home, Umuagba, Imezi-Owa in Ezeagu Council Area of Enugu State.
According to the musicians eldest son, Emmanuel, his father who was famously known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, passed away after a prolonged illness.
My father passed away due to a long-standing ailment, he said.
Emmanuel, however, disclosed that Mike Ejeagha was buried within 24 hours after his demise to keep his wish. “My father made a wish and warned us not to embalm him after his death. I contacted members of my family and informed them about his wish to be buried 24 hours after his death.
I also summoned a meeting of my kindred and we discussed extensively and even Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State was informed about it, and they all consented that whatever was his wish should be kept,” he stated.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Arts and Culture Minister, and Enugu State governor have paid tributes to the deceased.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, Tinubu said the late Ejeagha used his music and distinctive storytelling style to preserve and project Igbo culture and customs, inspiring generations.
May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeaghas music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation, the President stated.
In a post shared on his official social media handle, Atiku praised comedian Brain Jotter for his efforts in bringing the veteran musician back into the limelight before his demise.
It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro, Mike Ejeagha had his Gwo gwo gwo ngwo encore dance before the curtain was drawn. Rest in music, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, the VP wrote.
In a tribute posted on his X handle, Governor Peter Mbah described Ejeagha as an unassuming and easygoing personality, whose fan base spread beyond international boundaries.
Im profoundly saddened by the death of music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha. 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 humility that belied his towering celebrity status.
I will always cherish fond memories of the time spent in his company the warmth and wisdom he radiated; the joy he found in the ordinary, the governor noted.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, also mourned the passing of the highlife maestro.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the minister described the deceased as a legend whose contributions to Nigerias culture through music and folklore cannot be overemphasized.
The nation has lost a treasure trove of cultural heritage and musical genius. Mike Ejeaghas contributions to Nigerian music are immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Mike Ejeaghas impact on Igbo culture and music is undeniable. His extensive discography, comprising over 300 recordings archived in the National Archives of Nigeria, is a testament to his dedication to preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage.
As we mourn the passing of this musical icon, we celebrate his life and legacy. May his music continue to inspire and educate future generations of Nigerians, she said.
Born on April 4, 1930 in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Mike Ejeagha rose to prominence during the 1960s and 1980s with timeless hits like Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwogwogwongwo).
However, his music career of over five decades experienced a resurgence in 2024, when comedian and content creator, Brain Jotter, used his 1983 track, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwogwogwongwo) in a viral dance challenge. This had introduced Ejeaghas music to the younger generation.
The funeral ceremony would be announced soon.