By Ghazali Ibrahim 
Renowned Nigerian highlife musician and folklorist, Mike Ejeagha, has passed away at the age of 95 after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.
The music icon, popularly known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” died on Friday night at approximately 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu.
He is survived by two wives, nine children.
His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed the news on Saturday, revealing that the veteran artiste had been in and out of the hospital for years due to the illness, which was first diagnosed in 2006.
“Papa died at exactly 8 p.m. on Friday, and his body has been deposited in the morgue. I was with him during his final moments,” Emma said.
He also disclosed that his father had requested not to be embalmed or kept long in the morgue.
Mike Ejeagha was a towering figure in Igbo highlife and folklore music, captivating generations with his distinct storytelling style and cultural preservation through music.
Rising to prominence in the 1980s, his music emphasized morality, community values, and Igbo tradition, earning him widespread admiration and respect.
In 2024, Ejeagha’s 1983 classic “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” saw a surprising resurgence after it was featured in a viral dance skit by comedian Brain Jotter.
The global popularity of the skit triggered renewed interest in the folk legend’s music, launching a viral dance challenge and bringing him back into the limelight.
This resurgence led to visits from fans, new streams of royalties, and official recognition, including the naming of a road in Enugu after him.
Ejeagha’s death marks the end of an era for Nigerian music and the cultural preservation of Igbo folklore.
His influence spanned over six decades, and his songs remain a key part of Nigeria’s musical and oral history.
