Nigerian skit maker and comedian, Brain Jotter, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of highlife music legend, Mike ‘Gentleman’ Ejeagha.
Ejeagha, a respected figure in Nigeria’s music history, passed away on Friday night after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was best known for his unique storytelling style and his popular 1983 hit song, Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo.
News of his death broke on Saturday and was confirmed by multiple media outlets, including New Daily Prime. Fans, celebrities, and cultural lovers across the country have since paid tribute to the late musician.
“His melody lives forever”
Reacting to the news, Brain Jotter shared an emotional post on Instagram. The skit maker posted a short video clip from his visit to Ejeagha in Enugu last year. The video showed the moment he met the music icon and paid his respects.
Alongside the video, Brain Jotter wrote, “39 years ago, he made magic — Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo. 39 years later, we danced to it again. Now, he rests, but his melody lives forever. Rest in peace, legend.”
The heartfelt message quickly gained attention online. Fans flooded the comment section with words of sympathy and praise for both Brain Jotter and the late musician.
A song that found new life
Although Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo was originally released in 1983, the song gained fresh popularity in 2024 when Brain Jotter used it in a viral dance challenge.
The challenge went viral on social media. On Instagram, it racked up over 29.1 million views and more than 30,000 comments. On TikTok, it gathered an additional 19.6 million views.
The sudden rise in attention introduced Ejeagha’s music to a younger generation. Many Nigerians, both old and young, rediscovered the charm of his sound and lyrical storytelling.
A surprise visit and generous gift
Following the success of the dance challenge, Brain Jotter decided to show his appreciation. In 2024, he travelled to Enugu to meet the music legend in person.
During the visit, the comedian surprised Ejeagha with a N2 million cash gift. He explained that the money was a token of appreciation for the joy and inspiration the music had brought to millions of fans.
Photos and videos from the visit showed a joyful and emotional exchange between the two artists. Ejeagha, who was already in fragile health at the time, appeared visibly moved by the gesture.
A life of music and wisdom
Mike Ejeagha was born in 1932 and spent more than six decades in the music industry. He was known not only for his songs but also for the wisdom they conveyed. Singing mostly in Igbo, Ejeagha’s lyrics often contained proverbs, moral lessons, and cultural tales passed down through generations.
Many of his songs became popular in the southeastern part of Nigeria, where he was affectionately known as “Gentleman.” His use of traditional instruments and his slow, clear vocal style made his music stand out.
Ejeagha’s contributions to Igbo highlife music helped preserve the language and culture through difficult times in Nigeria’s history. He became more than just a musician, he was a cultural custodian.
A legacy that endures
Though Mike Ejeagha has passed on, his work continues to speak. His songs remain available on various platforms, and many fans still turn to his music for comfort, wisdom, and joy.
Artists like Brain Jotter have helped revive and celebrate his legacy. By bringing old songs back into the spotlight, they remind the world that true art does not fade.
As fans continue to mourn, many are calling for national recognition of Ejeagha’s life and contributions to Nigerian music and culture. Some have even suggested renaming cultural centers or creating music archives in his honour.
For now, though, the focus remains on remembering a man who made music with meaning. A man whose voice told stories, taught lessons, and touched hearts.
Mike ‘Gentleman’ Ejeagha may be gone, but his melody, indeed, lives on.
Read Also: Nigerian highlife legend Mike Ejeagha dies at 95
