Nigerian folklore icon, Mike Ejeagha, affectionately known as Gentleman Mike, passed away on June 6, 2025, in Enugu, Nigeria, following an illness.
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu (Enugu State), he was a pillar of Igbo folk music and a storyteller through song.
A Life Steeped in Music and Culture
As a child, he performed with local ogène groups and began learning guitar in the late 1940s, influenced by musicians from Coal Camp in Enugu, as well as business elitesater evolved into the Premier Dance Band. He gained prominence after being featured on the Nigerian Broadcasting Service’s “Guitar Playtime” show.
During the Biafran War, he disbanded his group but remained active with a radio program on Radio Nigeria.
After the war, he hosted Akuko N’egwu (“Stories in Music”) on NTA starting in 1972, earning the nickname “Akụkọ Mike Ejeagha” for his unique blend of folktale-infused performances.
“Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” — The Timeless Refrain
Mike’s 1983 song “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”—featuring the catchy chorus “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo”—is a folk tale of a tortoise outwitting an elephant.
The refrain became a viral sensation in July 2024 when comedian Brain Jotter used it in a dance challenge, triggering over 16 million TikTok views and reigniting interest in his music.
A Surprise Comeback
His 1982/83 album Akuko N’egwu (Story in Music) even joined Spotify’s Nigerian top 95 chart—the oldest album ever to do so—thanks to the viral trend.
Brain Jotter later visited Gentleman Mike, gifting him ₦2 million and a car in tribute.
Legacy & Influence
Over a career spanning six decades, Mike recorded more than 300 tracks, all preserving Igbo oral traditions and folklore with guitar accompaniments.
His music is renowned for its moralistic, proverb-rich lyrics and storytelling, making him a national custodian of Igbo culture.
A documentary titled Gentleman began production in September 2022, spotlighting his life and artistry.
In September 2024, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State honored him by renaming Abakpa Road in his name.
Final Words
Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s passing marks the end of an era, but his role as a cultural bridge endures. Through his songs, elders and youth alike continue to experience the richness of Igbo folklore. His sudden return to fame in 2024, sparked by an accidental viral moment, underscores how timeless art can resonate across generations
