Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria on Friday, October 31, 2025, bade farewell to highlife legend Mike Ejeagha in his hometown of Imezi-Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, five months after his passing on June 6.
The burial followed the late musician’s personal wish to be laid to rest within 24 hours without embalming, a request honoured by his family and community.
Ejeagha, fondly called the “Gentleman of Highlife,” was celebrated for his distinctive storytelling style and folk-inspired songs that preserved Igbo culture and wisdom.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHis compositions, including the popular “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” gained renewed attention in 2024 after going viral on social media, introducing his music to a new generation of listeners.
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Among those who attended the funeral was former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who travelled from Lagos to Enugu to pay his last respects. In a statement titled “Final Farewell to Gwo Gwo Gwom,” Obi reflected on Ejeagha’s life and legacy, describing him as a man whose work “profoundly shaped our society through remarkable contributions to culture and music.”
“Today being his funeral day, I arrived Enugu from Lagos in the morning and travelled to Imezi-Owa in Ezeagu Local Government of Enugu State to pay my last respects and condole his family,” Obi wrote.
“In the quiet solemnity of that sacred moment, surrounded by his loved ones and a reverend father, we offered prayers at his graveside, commending his noble soul to the Almighty. May his passing remind us of the beauty of a life dedicated to service, culture, and truth.”
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah also paid tribute to the late icon, describing him as “a musical sage whose timeless works enriched Nigeria’s cultural heritage and inspired generations.”
Ejeagha’s career spanned over six decades, during which he mentored several highlife musicians and produced numerous folk classics that continue to influence Nigerian music.
As his community gathered to honour him with traditional songs and prayers, many described his passing as the end of an era, yet his stories, wisdom, and melodies remain deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Igbo society.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
