Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, a 90-year-old Igbo folk music legend, has taken the social media world by storm after his 1983 classic Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche was featured in a viral video by comedian Brain Jotter.
While many young fans are just discovering his music, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha is a household name in South Eastern Nigeria, where his highlife tunes have been entertaining audiences for decades.
As his viral fame introduces him to a new generation, here's a chance to explore the remarkable career and legacy of this Igbo music icon, beyond the catchy "Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo" lyric that's currently making waves online.
Here are 5 things you need to know about Igbo Folk Music Legend Mike Ejeagha:
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1. How did Gentleman Mike Ejeagha's musical journey begin?
Firstly, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha was born in August 1932 in Imezi Owa, Eziagu Local Government of Enugu State. His journey into music began at a young age when he participated in an Ogene group during his elementary school days. Ejeagha’s fascination with the guitar blossomed after witnessing Moses Aduba, also known as Moscow, and Cyprian Uzochiawa play the instrument at the Coal Camp in Enugu. These early influences inspired him to learn the guitar, setting the foundation for his illustrious musical career. By 1950, Ejeagha had perfected his guitar skills and formed his first band, Mike Ejeagha and Merry-makers.
2. What led to Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s rise to fame?
Secondly, Mike Ejeagha’s fame started to grow significantly after an audition with the late Atu Ona, the then Controller of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS). Ejeagha was given a program titled "Guitar Playtime," which allowed him to play on the radio and produce musical programs. This exposure helped him form a larger group, the Premier Dance Band. His fame soared further after the Nigerian Civil War. This was when he recorded the album Omekagu with Polygram Records, later Phillips Records. Also, his role in the radio program Akuko n’egwu (storytelling in music) on the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), now Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS), cemented his place in the hearts of many as he shared a new folktale weekly.
3. What makes Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music culturally significant?
Furthermore, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha is renowned for his Igbo folk music. The Igbo folk music is rich with social, cultural, historical, and moral lessons. His music, filled with idioms, proverbs, and folktales, is didactic. So, it makes him one of the most celebrated Igbo folk and Highlife artists in Nigerian history. Also, his storytelling ability through music is unparalleled. His songs have been a vehicle for preserving Igbo culture and wisdom across generations. The song Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche is a perfect example of his storytelling prowess. It narrates the cunningness of the Tortoise and the strength of the Elephant.
4. What is the legacy of Mike Ejeagha’s discography?
Additionally, throughout his career, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha has recorded 33 albums, each contributing to his legendary status. His classic records continue to resonate with both older and younger audiences, bridging the generational gap. Meanwhile, the recent viral sensation of Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche on social media platforms has introduced his music to a new generation. Therefore, it showcases his enduring legacy. His contribution to Igbo folklore music has been immense. Basically, it has earned him accolades and recognition as a key figure in Nigerian music history.
5. What are the recent developments and legacy projects involving Mike Ejeagha?
Nevertheless, in March 2023, Chimezie Chika described Gentleman Mike Ejeagha as the "grandfather of modern Igbo folk music". This was in an article on Afrocritik. Additionally, this recognition highlights his lasting impact on the genre. Meanwhile, in 2022, plans for a biographical documentary on his life were announced, directed by Michael Chineme Ike and produced by Micstreams Productions. However, the project faced setbacks due to funding issues. The recent virality of his song has reignited interest in this documentary. This offer a renewed opportunity to celebrate and document his legacy. Despite the challenges, fans remain hopeful that the documentary will come to fruition. It will further immortalize Gentleman Mike Ejeagha's contributions to Igbo folk music.
Basically, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s influence on Igbo folk music is profound and far-reaching. His ability to tell stories through music, his rise to fame via radio, and his enduring legacy through numerous albums have solidified his place in Nigerian music history. Also, the recent resurgence of interest in his work, spurred by the viral success of his song Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche, serves as proof of the timelessness of his art. Lastly, as fans and new listeners celebrate his contributions, the hope for a comprehensive documentary on his life remains a beacon for preserving his rich legacy.
