As the sun rose on April 4, 2025, it marked not just the birthday of an extraordinary man, but a celebration of an era, a heritage, and a voice that has resonated through the generations. Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, Nigeria’s revered folklorist, musician, and cultural icon, turned 95. Yet, his presence remains timeless — etched into the very soul of Igbo music and storytelling.
Born in 1930 in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Mike Ejeagha’s journey began in the vibrant heart of Eastern Nigeria. Raised in Coal Camp, Enugu, he grew up surrounded by the echoes of indigenous rhythms and communal tales. His father, a civil servant, may have charted a conventional path, but young Mike’s heart danced to a different beat — one played on the Ogene and later, the guitar.
Ejeagha’s love for music wasn’t born in a studio or a stage — it was nurtured under the open skies of festive Enugu streets, where he played with friends and joined the Coal Camp Boys in 1945. These humble beginnings eventually gave way to remarkable strides. In 1950, an invitation to join Joseph Ogbu’s band marked his first paid gig, and more importantly, the beginning of a journey that would transform highlife and Igbo folklore forever.
From the lilting strings of his guitar to the proverbs woven intricately into his lyrics, Mike Ejeagha did not just entertain — he educated. His music became a mirror through which society could see its values, virtues, and vices. He founded the Merrymakers and later the Premier Dance Band, both of which reflected his brilliance and versatility. His storytelling was not limited to the stage, it filled radio waves and later, television screens, particularly through his popular NTA program Akuko N’Egwu. For many Igbo households, “Akuko Mike Ejeagha” became a household phrase, an assurance that wisdom was never far away.
Even the Nigerian Civil War couldn’t silence his stringed voice. Amid the chaos, he continued to create, preserving culture in one of Nigeria’s darkest times. In the years that followed, Ejeagha contributed over 300 songs to the National Archives, a feat few musicians can claim. His discography is rich, from Akanchawa to Ome Ka Agu, each song a story, a lesson, a heartbeat of the people.
Despite personal losses including the death of his first wife and other life hurdles, Ejeagha never stopped giving. He remarried, raised ten children, and lived a life of integrity, calmness, and cultural dedication. His humility earned him the title “Gentleman,” not just as a name but a way of life.
Today, his legacy lives on not just in the memories of those who heard him live, but in new generations rediscovering him like in 2024, when a viral dance challenge brought Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche back into national conversation. The world is still catching up to the genius of a man who once said, “Life at old age is quite enjoyable, especially when the Almighty God gives you good health.”
His impact has not gone unnoticed. Last year, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah honored him by renaming Abakpa Road after him a fitting tribute to a man who has paved the way for so many artists and culture bearers. A documentary titled Gentleman is also underway, chronicling his life’s work and influence.
At 95, Mike Ejeagha is not just a man, he is a movement, a melody, a masterclass in cultural preservation. His songs continue to teach, heal, and inspire, reminding us of who we are and where we come from.
To celebrate Mike Ejeagha is to celebrate the Igbo spirit, Nigerian resilience, and African pride. May his days be long, and may his music never fade.
Happy 95th Birthday, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, the world sings because you strummed.
Nzubechukwu Eze
