The beloved ‘Gwo gwo ngwo’ singer passed away peacefully in Enugu, surrounded by family, after fighting prostate cancer for years
Key Points:
- Mike Ejeagha died at 95 after a long battle with prostate cancer.
- His song Gwo gwo ngwo became popular again in 2024 thanks to a viral dance challenge.
- He passed away at 32 Garrison Hospital, Enugu, surrounded by his loved ones.
Nigerian music legend, Mike Ejeagha, is dead. He passed away on Friday evening, June 7, 2025, at the age of 95.
The sad news was confirmed by his first son, Emma Ejeagha, in a heartfelt interview with Vanguard Newspaper on Saturday morning.
Mike Ejeagha, known for his unique storytelling style through music, died at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu. He had been fighting prostate cancer for almost two decades. His death marks the end of an era for fans of classic Igbo highlife music.
A Battle That Began in 2006
Emma shared that his father had been battling prostate cancer since 2006. He said Mike stayed strong and brave through the long and painful illness.
“He died on Friday around 8 p.m. I was by his side when he took his last breath,” Emma revealed. “His body has been taken to the mortuary.”
Emma also said his father gave clear instructions before his passing. The music legend did not want his body to be kept in the mortuary for too long or to be embalmed.
The Legacy of ‘Gwo gwo ngwo’
Mike Ejeagha is best known for his 1983 hit song, Gwo gwo ngwo. His music was full of wise sayings, humour, and deep meanings. He was one of the few artists who told life stories using music.
In 2024, a new generation discovered Gwo gwo ngwo after popular skit maker, Brain Jotter, used the song in a viral dance challenge. The challenge quickly became a hit on social media, giving the song global recognition over 40 years after it was first released.
Many young people joined the challenge and learned about the late musician’s work, keeping his name alive online.
A Musical Father and National Treasure
Born in Enugu State, Mike Ejeagha helped shape Nigerian highlife music. He recorded many albums and taught young musicians. He also worked with broadcasting stations, where he told stories using songs.
Emma said his father was not just a singer but also a teacher and a loving father. “He always wanted to share knowledge through music,” he said.
As the family makes plans for his burial, fans across the world are sending messages of love and respect for the late music icon.
