Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has joined Nigerians in mourning the legendary highlife musician, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, who passed away on Friday at the age of 95. I
n his condolence message, Atiku described the late artist as more than just a musician, referring to him as a “storyteller, a teacher, and a guardian of Igbo oral tradition.”
Ejeagha died around 8 p.m. on Friday evening at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after battling a prolonged illness. H
His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed the sad news to reporters on Saturday.
Taking to his official social media accounts, Atiku expressed his admiration and respect for the cultural icon.
He wrote, “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha was more than a musician; he was a storyteller, a teacher, and a guardian of Igbo oral tradition. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Ejeagha, widely known for his composed personality and rich lyrical heritage, earned the nickname “Gentleman” for his soft-spoken nature and graceful delivery in music.
His influence spanned decades, with many of his songs becoming cultural anthems in Igbo-speaking regions and across Nigeria.
The highlife veteran recently returned to the spotlight after a heartfelt and widely shared visit from comedian and skit maker Brain Jotter, who brought attention to the musician’s legacy and living conditions.
Reflecting on that moment, Atiku wrote, “It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn,” referencing the artist’s iconic vocal style and the emotional impact of the visit, which reignited nationwide appreciation for his work.
Ejeagha was renowned for blending folklore, proverbs, and moral lessons into his music, creating songs that were as educational as they were entertaining.
His career spanned over sixty years, during which he built an enduring catalog marked by philosophical depth and traditional instrumentation.
