Veteran Highlife Legend Mike Ejeagha Dies at 95, Family Reveals Cause of Death
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The family of late highlife icon Mike Ejeagha has disclosed that the legendary musician died of prostate cancer after a long battle with the illness.
Ejeagha, best known for his 1983 hit “Gwo gwo ngwo,” passed away on Friday evening at the age of 95. His death was confirmed by his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, in an interview with Vanguard on Saturday.
According to Emma, the revered artist died at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu around 8 p.m., having lived with prostate cancer since 2006. “I was with him during his final moments,” he said. “Papa died on Friday at 8 p.m., and his body has been deposited in the mortuary.”
He added that his father had made specific requests before his passing, including that his body should not be embalmed or kept too long in the morgue.
Mike Ejeagha, a respected folklorist and storyteller, left a lasting mark on Nigerian music with his rich Igbo lyrical compositions and moral teachings woven into his songs. His music experienced a resurgence in 2024 after popular skit maker Brain Jotter used “Gwo gwo ngwo” in a viral global dance challenge, introducing a new generation to his work.
Plans for his funeral are yet to be announced.
