Nigeria Mourns Highlife Legend Mike Ejeagha, Iconic Folklorist Dies at 95

Nigeria is grieving the loss of highlife and folklore music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, who passed away at 95 on Friday, June 6, 2025, at The Garrison Hospital in Enugu after a prolonged illness.

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Ejeagha’s illustrious music career began in the mid-20th century, shaping Igbo-language music for over six decades. His first major hit came in 1960, coinciding with Nigeria’s independence. Following the Biafran Civil War, Ejeagha’s fame soared when he joined the Nigerian Television Authority in 1972 as a guest presenter for the Igbo program Akuko N Egwu. His lyrically rich folksongs, performed with his group, captivated audiences and popularized the iconic Igbo phrase “Akuko Mike Ejeagha,” solidifying his enduring legacy in Nigerian culture and entertainment.