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| The late highlife maestro, Pa Mike Ejeagha |
Renowned highlife maestro, Pa Mike Ejeagha, whose timeless classic “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” captivated a new generation after its viral revival last year, has passed away at the age of 95.
He died peacefully on Friday night at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, following a prolonged illness, according to his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha.
Mike Ejeagha was celebrated for his masterful ability to weave Igbo folklore and proverbs into enchanting musical narratives. His distinctive style of Igbo folk highlife dominated Nigerian airwaves throughout the 1980s, earning him a cherished place in the hearts of music lovers across generations.
The resurgence of his 41-year-old hit, “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” was sparked by popular skit maker Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie, also known as Brain Jotter.
The song humorously recounts the tale of a clever tortoise who tricks an elephant, rides on its back, and uses it to pay his bride’s dowry, an age-old folk story brought to life through Ejeagha’s music.
The viral dance challenge inspired by “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” exploded on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, amassing over 9.1 million followers on Facebook and more than five million on Instagram.
Fans worldwide embraced the catchy rhythm and playful moves, creating countless versions of the dance and keeping Ejeagha’s legacy alive.
Mike Ejeagha’s passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to Nigerian music and culture will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
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