Tinubu, Atiku, Peter Obi Mourn “Gwo Gwo Gwo” Singer, Mike Ejeagha
Nigeria Bids Farewell to a Highlife Icon and Cultural Custodian
Nigeria is in mourning following the passing of legendary highlife musician and folklorist, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, famed for the timeless hit “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo.” Ejeagha, a revered figure in Igbo music and storytelling, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 95, after a 16-year battle with prostate cancer. His death marks the end of an era—but tributes from across the nation affirm that his legacy will endure for generations.
A National Loss, A Cultural Legend
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the nation in paying tribute, describing Mike Ejeagha as “one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language.” In a heartfelt condolence message, Tinubu lauded Ejeagha’s storytelling prowess, stating that his songs “revived, healed, and redirected the energies of many towards worthy causes.”
According to Tinubu, Ejeagha’s ability to preserve and promote Igbo culture through proverbs, parables, and traditional guitar-driven melodies placed him in a league of his own. He prayed that the values embedded in Ejeagha’s music would continue to inspire future generations.
A Voice That Educated Through Melody
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed his sorrow, highlighting the resurgence of Ejeagha’s music in recent years. He referenced how the viral hit “Gwo Gwo” recently found new life through comedian Brain Jotter, describing it as a “remarkable encore dance before the final curtain fell.”
Atiku noted that Ejeagha’s unique style made him more than a musician—he was a teacher and a cultural ambassador whose lyrics carried wisdom, warnings, and moral guidance.
“End of an Era” – Peter Obi
Labour Party leader and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, added his voice to the flood of tributes, calling Ejeagha’s passing “the end of an era.” Obi described him as a “legendary highlife musician and cultural custodian” whose music was not just for entertainment but for enlightenment.
Obi emphasized that Ejeagha’s music taught moral lessons, promoted unity, and instilled cultural pride. He expressed hope that the legend’s voice would continue to resonate through future generations of Nigerian youth.
A Legacy Cast in Melody
Born in 1930, Mike Ejeagha’s contributions to Nigerian music span decades. His 1983 classic, “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” (popularly known as “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo”), became a viral sensation again in 2024, introducing him to a younger generation via dance trends and online challenges.
He is credited with recording over 300 folk-based songs, many of which are archived at the National Archives of Nigeria. These songs reflect not just entertainment but deep-rooted values, moral instructions, and the oral traditions of the Igbo people.
A Giant Has Fallen
Gentleman Mike Ejeagha was more than a musician—he was a walking archive of Igbo wisdom, a prophet in melodies, and a generational voice that refused to fade. His music, rich with proverbs and cultural teachings, lives on.
As tributes continue to pour in, one thing remains clear: Mike Ejeagha’s death may have silenced a voice, but it amplified a legacy.
Rest in peace, Gentleman. Your “Gwo Gwo Gwo” still echoes in our hearts.
