Comic star Chukwuebuka Emmanuel, popularly known as Brain Jotter, is mourning veteran highlife musician Mike Ejeagha.
Popularly called “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” the 95-year-old died on Friday night at 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after a prolonged illness.
His son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed the death on Saturday, saying his father died around 8 p.m.
Taking to Instagram, Brain Jotter shared a video of the late musician with the caption:
“39 years ago, he made magic.
39 years later, we danced to it again.
Now, he rests — but his melody lives forever.
Rest in peace, legend.❤️🙏🕊️”
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha was known for blending highlife music with Igbo folklore to pass on wisdom, proverbs and moral lessons.
He rose to prominence between the 1960s and 1980s with timeless songs like ‘Omekagu,’ ‘Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma’ and ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo)’ — tracks still widely appreciated today.
‘Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,’ as it is fondly called, is a 1983 Igbo highlife classic that tells a folktale about a clever tortoise (Mbe) and a mighty elephant (Enyi).
The chorus, which mimics rhythmic drumming, has remained a cultural touchstone over the decades.
In 2024, the song experienced a resurgence after Brain Jotter launched the viral “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” dance challenge.
The challenge featured a unique routine where participants faced each other, walked forward and performed synchronized leg movements to the beat of ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo.’
The dance trend not only showcased Brain Jotter’s creativity but also introduced Ejeagha’s music to a new generation.
In appreciation of the music legend, the comedian visited Ejeagha and presented him with a N2 million gift.
Mike Ejeagha is survived by his children and grandchildren.
