Mike Ejeagha

Nigerian folklorist, songwriter, and musician

Mike Ejeagha
Also known as	Gentleman Mike Ejeagha
Born	(1930-04-04) 4 April 1930 (age 94) Ezeagu, Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria
Genres	Igbo music
Occupation(s)	Musician, guitarist
Instrument	Guitar

Musical artist

Mike Ejeagha (listen^ⓘ; born 4 April 1930) is a Nigerian folklorist, songwriter, and musician from Enugu State. Ejeagha started his career in music in the mid-20th century. Also known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, Ejeagha has been influential in the evolution of music in the Igbo language for over 6 decades. His first hit was in 1960 – the year of Nigeria's independence.

Biography

Ejeagha is a distinct story-teller accompanied by guitar style and his lyrics are laced with proverbs, lending his music a didactic style. He writes his own music and his lyrics are in Igbo language. Ejeagha said in 2004: "Life at old age is quite enjoyable, especially when the Almighty God gives you good health".^[1]

Ejeagha has contributed over three hundred recordings to the National Archives of Nigeria produced during his field work to investigate Igbo folklore highlife music.^[2]

On 12 September 2022, it was reported by Pulse Nigeria that a documentary film on his life titled "Gentleman" is under production. The Film is directed by Michael Chineme Ike.^[3]

In July 2024, "Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche", a song which was released in 1983 as part of his album Akuko N'Egwu Vol. 1, gained widespread recognition due to a viral dance challenge inspired by comedian Brain Jotter.^[4]

Discography

Akanchawa
Uwa Ngbede Ka Mma
Elulube Lube
Ezi Nwa Mgbeke.
Enyi Ga Achi.
Onye Uri Utaba.
Ife Nji M’Ogo
Atualu Omalu
Ebini New Ude
Mgba Enwude

^[5]

References

^ NNENYELIKE, NWAGBO. "Life at oldage is quite enjoyable". Daily Sun. Retrieved 26 February 2012.^{[permanent dead link]}
^ Sonny Oti (2009). Highlife Music in West Africa. Malthouse Press. p. 53. ISBN 978-978-8422-08-2.
^ Nwogu, Precious 'Mamazeus' (12 September 2024). "Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo by Mike Ejeagha Become Top Trending Song in Nigeria". Np Nigeria.
^ Egobiambu, Emmanuel (21 July 2024). "Mike Ejeagha's Classic 'Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche' Sparks Viral Dance Challenge". Channels Television. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
^ "Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo: Everything You Need To Know About Mike Ejeagha - Dockaysworld". 26 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.