Let’s delve into the rich world and life of the singer a bit, and learn a couple of things in the process…
We have seen the trending dance video inspired by one of the hit songs by veteran Nigerian HighLife musician, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha which was created by popular content creator Brain Jotter.
The past few days has seen lots of activities, drama, talks, conversation, controversies and mixed reactions surrounding the viral dance video by Brain Jotter.
Well, Brain Jotter finally paid a courtesy visit to the aged singer in his Enugu residence yesterday, gifted the singer two million Naira.
GENERALLY ABOUT MIKE EJEAGHA:
The now viral “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” is a snippet from his 1983 song “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”, and it was part of his musical album tilted “Akuko N’Egwu” Vol-1.
Born on April 4th 1930, Mike Ejeagha hails from Imezi-Owa, Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State, South Eastern part of the country.
His music career began in the mid 20th century and his first hit came in 1960 titled “Ofu Nwa Anaa” (the only child is gone) and followed by “Okuko kwaa uche echegbuo onye ugwo (when the cock crows the debtor becomes worried), and others.
The song “Ofu Nwa Anaa” actually shot him into fame, and that was the beginning of his journey to success, stardom and achievements in the music industry.
Mike Ejeagha turned 94 years last April, and the renowned Igbo folklore musician is reportedly churned out about 37 musical albums and five singles.
He has a special place in the history of those who are at the forefront of promoting the Igbo language. Mike Ejeagha was in fact one of the earliest persons who are influential in the evolution of Igbo music, which he did for decades, nothing less than six (6) decades.
He has kept the ancient ways of Igbo ancestors alive through his songs, and due to his trademark story telling style in his songs, usually a long compelling and interesting stories, which brought about the slogan “Akuko Mike Ejeagha”. This often, though jokingly, said to anyone with a long story.
Mike Ejeagha songs are often laced with interesting Igbo proverbs, life’s lessons and entertainment, which makes him extremely unique from other highlife musicians, and you don’t see him dedicating his songs to praise singing, common among highlife musicians.
Some of his hit tracks like Omeka Agu, Onye Ori Utaba (the Snuff thief), Uwa Mgbede Ka Nma and others have actually inspired some of Nollywood movies.
He lost his first wife in 1963, and in 1964, he made a song in her honour. He did not marry again untill in 1966. He is blessed with 10 children, one reportedly died in 2008, and nine (9) are still alive.
Few years ago, Igbo chant performer, Amarachi Attamah and Charles Ogbu, journalist and Activist, embarked a humanitarian mission to rehabilitate the decapitated house of Mike Ejeagha located in Abakpa, Enugu state.
(Before and after the renovation of Mike Ejeagha’s house led by Amarachi Attamah and Charles Ogbu)
Former Enugu state governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi equally visited the singer in his residence at Abakpa-Nike in 2018, to ascertain his health condition, while also informing him that the state government are on ground to take up his medical bills. He also, offered immediate employment to his daughter, as to enable her take good care of her father, Mike Ejeagha.
And just recently, Governor Peter Mbah rehabilitated the roads around his residence and named a street after the singer, as part of efforts to immortalize his great legacies.
During his active days, he worked with a couple of music records like Premier Music Ltd, Polygram Records, others.
(Photo Credit: Google, Facebook)
