“Gwo Gwo Gwo N Gwo” Croner Mike Ejeagha Passes Away At 95.
The Nigerian music scene is in mourning following the death of highlife legend Mike Ejeagha, famed for his iconic “Gwo Gwo Gwo” track, dies at the age of 95. The veteran musician, known for weaving Igbo folklore and proverbs into captivating songs, passed away on Friday, 6 June 2025, at approximately 8:00 pm after a prolonged illness.
Emma Ejeagha, the eldest son of the late musician, confirmed the sad news to journalists on Friday night. He revealed that his father died at the 32 Garrison Hospital, a Nigerian Army facility in Enugu, Enugu State, where he had been receiving treatment.
Born in 1930 in Enugu, Nigeria, Mike Ejeagha hailed from Imezi Owa in the Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. His passion for music blossomed at a young age, initially playing the traditional Igbo instrument, the ogene, alongside a childhood friend. By 1945, he had joined the Coal Camp Boys, a popular local music group, and continued to nurture his talent after completing his elementary education in 1948.
Ejeagha’s early career saw him engaging in friendly musical rivalries with other prominent groups, such as the Ogui Group and Dodokido Group, during Christmas celebrations. In 1949, at the age of 20, he began an apprenticeship with a barber and musician friend, Cyprain Ozochiawa, learning both hairdressing and the art of guitar playing in his spare time. A dedicated chorister, Ejeagha often followed musicians to observe and learn from their performances.
The year 1950 marked a turning point in his career when Joseph Ogbu invited him to join his band as a guitarist, a role that provided payment after each performance. This opportunity allowed Ejeagha to hone his skills and acquire his own musical instruments, inspiring him to form his own group, Mike Ejeagha and the Merrymakers.
His talent soon caught the attention of Atu Ona, controller of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service, who invited him for an audition. Impressed by Ejeagha’s skill, Ona offered him a radio programme titled Guitar Playtime, marking the start of his broadcasting career. During this period, he also formed the larger Premier Dance Band, further cementing his legacy in the highlife genre.
Mike Ejeagha’s unique ability to blend Igbo folklore, proverbs, and melodies into his music earned him widespread admiration and a lasting place in Nigeria’s cultural history. His passing leaves a void in the highlife music community, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations.
He is survived by his family, and a rich catalogue of music that will forever echo the traditions and stories of the Igbo people.
