Highlife Icon Mike Ejeagha Dies at 95, Leaves Behind a Legacy of Igbo Folklore in Music

Highlife Icon Mike Ejeagha Dies at 95, Leaves Behind a Legacy of Igbo Folklore in Music

ENUGU — Nigeria’s music scene has lost one of its most revered voices. Highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha, famed for weaving Igbo folklore and proverbs into unforgettable melodies, has died at the age of 95.

The legendary musician passed away on Friday night around 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after battling a prolonged illness. His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed the news to journalists on Saturday morning.

Ejeagha, whose influence stretched across decades, carved a niche in the hearts of Nigerians with his unique storytelling style—one that seamlessly blended ancestral wisdom with rhythmic Highlife beats. Throughout the 1980s, his music dominated the airwaves, earning him a place among the cultural giants of the time.

Known for his calm delivery, philosophical lyrics, and use of proverbs that carried moral lessons, Ejeagha wasn’t just a musician—he was a custodian of Igbo oral tradition. His songs, often laced with humor and deep meaning, served as both entertainment and cultural education.

Highlife Icon Mike Ejeagha Dies at 95

As tributes pour in from fans, cultural leaders, and fellow musicians, one thing is clear: Mike Ejeagha’s voice may be silent, but his legacy will continue to echo through the strings of Nigerian music history.

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