Highlife Legend Mike Ejeagha Dies at 95 After Long Battle with Cancer

Veteran highlife musician and Igbo oral tradition custodian, Mike Ejeagha, has died at the age of 95 after battling prostate cancer for 16 years.

He passed away at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 6, at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, according to his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha.

Ejeagha, renowned for his storytelling style and use of Igbo proverbs in music, gained national fame in the 1970s and enjoyed a career spanning over six decades. His 2024 remix of the classic hit “Gwogwogwo” by comedian Brian Potter reignited interest in his music among younger audiences.

Born on April 4, 1930, Ejeagha became a cultural icon in southeastern Nigeria and a pioneer of morally infused highlife music. He was also a guest presenter on NTA’s Akuko N’Egwu, a cultural program that showcased his unique storytelling sound.

He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon.