A Tribute To A Legendary Musician, Mike Ejeagha, Gwo Gwo By Michael Samuel Idoko

Mike Ejeagha, affectionately known as "Gentleman Mike Ejeagha," is a Nigerian folklorist, songwriter, and musician from Enugu State, Nigeria. Born on April 4, 1930, he has been a prominent figure in the evolution of Igbo music for many decades. With a career spanning over 60 years, Ejeagha has made significant contributions to the development and popularization of Igbo music, with an impressive catalog of over 300 recordings.

Ejeagha's music is characterized by his unique storytelling style, accompanied by guitar and lyrics infused with Igbo proverbs. His songs, written in the Igbo language, have a didactic style, conveying meaningful messages and teachings. As a pioneer of Igbo music, Ejeagha's work has been archived at the National Archives of Nigeria, showcasing his extensive research into Igbo folklore and highlife music.

In recent times, one of his songs, "Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo," has gained popularity, thanks to content creator Brain Jotter, who brought the song to the limelight. The song has inspired a trending dance challenge, with many creators jumping on the bandwagon. In a heartwarming gesture, Brain Jotter reportedly visited the 94-year-old musician to pay his respects, acknowledging the significance of Ejeagha's contributions to Nigerian music.