Veteran highlife musician, Mike Ejeagha, known for his timeless Igbo folk songs, has died at the age of 95 after a prolonged illness.

The iconic performer passed away on Friday night, June 7, 2024, at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, according to his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha.

According to the family, the music legend had been battling a long-standing health condition which eventually led to his death. “My father passed away due to a long-standing ailment,” Emma confirmed.

Ejeagha, fondly called “Gentleman Mike,” was born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

He became a household name in the 1960s with hit songs like “Omekagu”, “Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma”, and “Ka Esi Le” “Onye Isi Oche”, the latter enjoying a viral TikTok revival in 2024 through a trending dance challenge.

With a career spanning over six decades, Ejeagha stood out for his rich use of proverbs, storytelling and humour in music.

He was a master of blending tradition with melody, and his songs often carried moral lessons and cultural wisdom.

Beyond entertainment, his contribution to Nigerian music history was immense. Over 300 of his recordings are stored in the National Archives of Nigeria as part of a UNESCO-endorsed effort to preserve indigenous music.

Despite the new generation moving towards Afrobeats and hip-hop, Ejeagha remained a respected name, especially among culture lovers and music scholars.

His recent return to the spotlight through social media reaffirmed the timelessness of his message and sound.