At 90 years outdated, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha is at present trending on social media. This resurgence got here after his 1983 hit ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’ was featured in a viral video by comic and skit maker Mind Jotter. 

Whereas many younger social media customers are discovering him via the catchy “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” lyric from this tune, there’s rather more to this legendary musician than only a viral second.

Adolescence and musical beginnings

Born in August 1932 in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s journey into music started in his elementary faculty days with an Ogene group. His fascination with the guitar began when he noticed Moses Aduba (also referred to as Moscow) and Cyprian Uzochiawa strumming the instrument. 

Ejeagha was fast to be taught and shortly mastered the guitar, laying the inspiration for his future in music.

Formation of the Merry-makers

In 1950, Ejeagha took a major step by forming his band, the Mike Ejeagha and Merry-makers. In a 2009 interview printed on “Final FM,” Gentleman Mike Ejeagha defined that his nickname “Gentleman” was impressed by his courteous demeanor and the way he treats others.

Ejeagha’s musical path started in his elementary faculty days as a member of an Ogene group. 

His curiosity within the guitar sparked when he watched Moses Aduba, also referred to as Moscow, and Cyprian Uzochiawa play on the Coal Camp in Enugu. He realized from each musicians, honing his guitar expertise over time.

By 1950, he had mastered the guitar properly sufficient to kind his personal band, Mike Ejeagha and the Merry-makers. His rise to fame accelerated when he was found by Atu Ona, the then Controller of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS), who invited him to audition. 

This chance led to his personal radio program, “Guitar Playtime,” the place he not solely performed music but in addition created musical reveals. His success on the radio helped him set up a bigger band, the Premier Dance Band.

How he began –  post-war fame

Ejeagha’s music profession blossomed after the Nigerian Civil Warfare when he launched the album ‘Omekagu’ with Polygram Information which grew to become a milestone in his profession, and later, Phillips Information.

Following this, he was invited by the Anambra Broadcasting Service (now generally known as the Enugu State Broadcasting Service, ESBS) to host a program titled ‘Akuko n’egwu’ (storytelling in music). 

On this present, he shared a brand new folktale each week, enchanting his viewers with the wealthy oral traditions of the Igbo tradition.

What units him aside

What units Gentleman Mike Ejeagha aside is his capability to weave complicated social, cultural, and ethical narratives into his music. Utilizing idioms, proverbs, and folklore, he has created a wealthy tapestry of Igbo tradition that resonates with each young and old audiences alike. 

His music doesn’t simply entertain; it teaches and preserves the heritage of his individuals.

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha is widely known for his Igbo folks music, which is wealthy in social, cultural, historic, and ethical narratives. His music, interwoven with idioms, proverbs, and folktales, has established him as one of the revered Igbo folks and Highlife artists in Nigerian historical past.

Enduring affect and a biography documentary

With over 33 albums to his title, Ejeagha’s work has been influential in defining trendy Igbo folks music. His latest resurgence in reputation, due to social media, highlights the timeless enchantment of his music. 

Plans for a biographical documentary are underway, promising to introduce his life and artwork to new generations.