A Gentle Voice Fades, But His Songs Stay Forever: Mike Ejeagha Passes at 95
Mike Ejeagha, the legendary storyteller whose voice shaped generations through music and proverbs, has passed away at the age of 95.
Known for his soothing delivery and timeless wisdom woven into Igbo folktales, Ejeagha wasn’t just a musician—he was a cultural custodian. The news of his passing emerged quietly on Friday evening, touching hearts across the country.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah paid tribute, describing Ejeagha as gentle, wise, and deeply revered—an artist whose reach went far beyond the borders of Nigeria. Mbah recalled how much joy and humility Ejeagha carried with him, even at the height of his fame.
“He had a way of turning life’s simplest lessons into unforgettable songs. It’s hard to put into words the impact he’s made,” the governor shared, promising to honour his memory in ways that will last for generations. Mbah had previously renamed a road in Enugu after the singer and ensured it led right to his home—a long-standing wish finally fulfilled.
Though quiet and reserved, Ejeagha’s influence thundered across decades. His 1983 classic Onye Ori Utaba made a massive comeback in 2024, sparking a dance challenge that went global. The catchy rhythm, paired with an animated leg shuffle, brought smiles and laughter to millions and reminded a new generation of the power in his music. The man behind the trend, content creator Brain Jotter, even paid the icon a personal visit, leading to emotional scenes as the singer waved tearfully to well-wishers.
As word of his passing spread, tributes began to pour in.
President Bola Tinubu remembered him as a pillar of cultural preservation—someone who used music not just to entertain but to educate and inspire. In his words, “Mike Ejeagha reminded us that music can teach, heal, and lift a nation’s spirit.”
Labour Party’s Peter Obi called his death “the end of an era,” but added that Ejeagha’s voice would never fade. “His songs are more than melodies; they’re pieces of moral guidance, truth, and ancestral wisdom,” Obi wrote.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also joined in, expressing gratitude that Ejeagha got to see his work celebrated by a new generation before his final bow. “He had his encore dance before the curtain was drawn,” he said.
Brain Jotter, who helped revive Ejeagha’s old track through a viral skit, shared a touching video of the singer, saying, “Thirty-nine years ago, he gave us magic. Thirty-nine years later, we danced to it again. Now he rests—but his melody never will.”
Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s passing may leave a silence, but his stories, his songs, and his spirit continue to echo wherever wisdom is shared, and wherever music brings people together.
Rest well, legend. Your voice lives on.
