“A man who carries his people’s wisdom in music never truly dies.”
These words ring true today as Nigeria bids farewell to one of its most revered highlife and folklore legends Gentleman Mike Ejeagha. The iconic storyteller and cultural archivist was laid to rest in his hometown of Umuagba, Imezi-Owa in Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State.
Though his body now rests beneath the red earth of Enugu, his voice, wisdom, and artistry remain forever etched in the hearts of those he touched.
Who Was Gentleman Mike Ejeagha?
To many, he was more than a musician. Gentleman Mike Ejeagha was a walking library of Igbo proverbs, folklore, and traditional wisdom. Through his melodious highlife tunes, he educated, entertained, and preserved the oral traditions of his people at a time when cultural erosion was a growing threat.
Born in the 1930s, his musical journey spanned decades. He was not just a singer; he was a storyteller, using his art to explore morality, communal values, and the intricacies of everyday life.
Songs like “Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma”, “Akuko N’egwu”, and “Omekagu” are not just melodies — they are living pieces of cultural memory.
A Keeper of Igbo Folklore
Long before podcasts and YouTube channels, Mike Ejeagha had created what many now consider the first audio folklore archive in Igbo history. His deep baritone voice, layered over smooth guitar riffs, told stories that sparked laughter, reflection, and sometimes, gentle correction.
In an era of fast music and even faster fame, Ejeagha’s work reminds us of a time when songs had depth, when music wasn’t just for the body, but also for the mind and soul.
A Final Journey Home
Ejeagha’s burial was not just a funeral, it was a celebration of heritage. Dignitaries, musicians, cultural enthusiasts, and grieving fans gathered in Umuagba, not just to mourn, but to honor. His hometown nestled in the hills of Imezi-Owa was the perfect resting place for a man who never strayed far from his roots.
As tradition demands, he was taken home to rest among his ancestors, in the land that shaped the very stories he once sang.
A Call to Preserve Our Roots
With the passing of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, Nigeria, and Igboland loses more than an artist. We lose a living repository of indigenous knowledge.
Yet, his death raises an urgent question: Who will carry the torch?
In a world obsessed with trending sounds, who will preserve the proverbs, the folk tales, the ancestral wisdom?
Ejeagha’s life is a challenge to young artists and creators, a reminder that fame is fleeting, but culture is forever.
Final Thoughts
Gentleman Mike Ejeagha didn’t just make music; he told us who we are.
And in telling our stories, he became part of them.
As he takes his final bow, we remember a man who was always more than a musician — he was a cultural custodian, a village elder in lyrical form, and an artist who made us think, not just dance.
Rest well, Gentleman. The music may pause, but the message lives on.
Watch!
Share your favorite Mike Ejeagha memory or song in the comments. Let’s keep his legacy alive, one story at a time.
