Julius OkorieTributes have continued to pour in from far and near following the passing of legendary highlife maestro, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha (GME).
Leading the pack of legions of mourners who extolled the qualities of the master story teller, is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who extended his condolences to family, friends and families of the folklorist who Friday, at 95.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu paid tribute to Ejeagha’s towering influence on Nigerian music and cultural heritage, describing him as “one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language.”
The President hailed Ejeagha’s distinctive storytelling through music as a cultural treasure, noting his role in preserving and promoting Igbo traditions across generations.
“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” Tinubu stated.
Apparently agreeing with Nigerian musician, Patoranking, who advised that people be celebrated while they are alive with his song “Celebrate me now that I am alive”, the President gave Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, a pat on the back, for honouring the late icon during his lifetime, emphasizing the importance of recognizing cultural custodians while they are still with us.
The President concluded his tribute by praying for divine comfort to all who mourn Ejeagha’s passing and for the peaceful repose of his soul.
On his part, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar while mourning the passing of the nonagenarian whose songs boasts of a lot of life lessons, described late Mike Ejeagha as a “storyteller, teacher, and guardian of Igbo oral tradition.”
In a heartfelt tribute shared via his official social media handles, Atiku wrote, ”Gentleman Mike Ejeagha was more than a musician; he was a storyteller, a teacher, and a guardian of Igbo oral tradition, adding “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
The former Vice President, and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, expressed delight that the legendary folklorist bounced back to limelight before his passing. Statement of the Turankin Adamawa partly reads, “It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ re-awakened before the curtain was drawn,” referencing his signature sound and the emotional wave of support that followed the viral visit.
READ ALSO:Mike Ejeagha Documentary Premiere: When Slow And Steady Wins The Race
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, was not left out as she hailed the contributions of the fallen icon to Nigeria’s music and cultural preservation, describing him as a national treasure whose work left a lasting imprint on the country’s cultural identity.
“The nation has lost a treasure trove of cultural heritage and musical genius,” Musawa said. “Mike Ejeagha’s contributions to Nigerian music are immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Popularly called “Gentleman” for his calm demeanour and lyrical grace, Ejeagha was recently brought back into the public eye through a heartfelt visit by comedian and skit maker, Brain Jotter.
The entertainer’s engagement with the ageing legend helped rekindle public appreciation for his work.
Ejeagha celebrated for his folkloric lyrics, proverbs, and didactic storytelling style, is a towering figure in Nigerian music.
His influence spanned generations, with many of his songs serving as cultural touchstones in Igbo-speaking communities and beyond.
Ejeagha’s musical career, which spanned over six decades, produced a rich catalog of songs known for their deep wisdom, philosophical tone, and traditional instrumentation.
Recall that Brain Jotter’s visit to the Nonagenarian and the subsequent viral Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo dance that followed did not only revive the 40 year old song but trigged a Flory of visits to the Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s Enugu resident by both government officials, religious bodies and lots of well-wishers who went to wish him well and also appreciate his legacy in their own ways.
Enugu state Governor Peter Mbah had a road named after him with residents turning out in large numbers to celebrate a man who believed so much in hard work and shunned short cut to success, hence his song “Uwa Mgbede Ka mma.”(slow and steady)
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
