Gentleman mike ejeagha biography

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In fact, it is unknown whether the legendary Nigerian musician has any siblings.

About Mike Ejeagha’s educational background

For his primary education, Mike Ejeagha attended St. Patrick’s School, Ogbete Enugu. It remains unclear whether he pursued higher education.

How Mike Ejeagha started his career

Mike Ejeagha started his career at a very young age.

In 1945, when he was just fifteen, Mike Ejeagha joined a local music group. Atu Ona offered Ejeagha a radio program called “Guitar Playtime.” Soon after, the “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” singer began performing on radio and producing musical programs.

During the Biafran War, Mike Ejeagha and his band parted ways. However, little information is currently available about Mike Ejeagha’s other children.

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At 90 years old, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha is currently trending on social media.

Uzochiawa and a man called Moscow taught Mike Ejeagha how to play the guitar. His rise to fame accelerated when he was discovered by Atu Ona, the then Controller of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS), who invited him to audition.

This opportunity led to his own radio program, “Guitar Playtime,” where he not only played music but also created musical shows.

In a 2009 interview published on “Last FM,” Gentleman Mike Ejeagha explained that his nickname “Gentleman” was inspired by his courteous demeanor and how he treats others.

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

His interest in the guitar sparked when he watched Moses Aduba, also known as Moscow, and Cyprian Uzochiawa play at the Coal Camp in Enugu.

After remarrying in 1965, he welcomed seven more children with his second wife.

According to reports, Mike Ejeagha’s second wife Susan “Suzanna” Ejeagha died in 2020 at age 82. Because of the war, he left Enugu for Umuahia, where he stayed until the war ended. Taa na Echi

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Who is Mike Ejeagha?

Mike Ejeagha is a Nigerian folk music crooner, guitarist, songwriter, and musician.

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AKUKO N'EGWU: THE LIFE, ARTS AND WORKS OF MIKE EJEAGHA

Since its inception in 2017, the Centre For Memories has continued to position itself as the leading hub for Igbo history and culture. On behalf of Ndigbo, we recognize and immensely appreciate his great contributions to the development of music in Igboland for over seven decades.

The Centre has put together, a full day online event with different activities to mark the 91st birthday of this great music icon.

The event is titled: AKỤKỌ N’EGWU: The Life, Arts, and Works of Mike Ejeagha

Date: Monday, April 5, 2021

Featuring:

- Biography of Mike Ejeagha: 12 Noon WAT (UTC +1)

- An Online Exhibition of Mike Ejeagha’s Arts and Works: 1:00 PM WAT (UTC +1)

- "Your Favorite Mike Ejeagha’s Proverb & Song": 2:00 PM (UTC +1)

- Tributes to Mike Ejeagha: 3:00 PM WAT (UTC +1)

- Zoom Webinar and PaperPresentation: 4:00 PM WAT (UTC +1).

Webinar link: https://bit.ly/3w7qVhv

The webinar will feature a paper presentation on the essence and relevance of Mike Ejeagha’s music by our guest speaker, Prof Richard C.

Okafor

Distinguished Professor of Music Education and Ethnomusicology

Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.

MODERATOR

- Mr. Wordshot Amaechi Ugwele, On-Air Personality (Solid FM Enugu), Author and Journalist.

PANELISTS

- Dr Mrs Ogbeyanu N Nzeribe,

The Odaze of Illah, Delta State

- Engr.

He was an influential figure in the evolution of Igbo music genre.

Early life and career

Ejeagha was born on 4 April 1930 in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu, Enugu State. However, it is known that he and his first wife were together until her passing in 1963. The case was withdrawn when Enugu State Government intervened in the matter.[10]

Personal life and death

Ejeagha married his first wife in 1959, having three children before her death in 1963.

Okwy Ogbuenyi, Singer and Music Producer

Join us as we celebrate #MikeEjeaghaAt91

#CentreForMemories

Maka Unyaa. The Igbo folklorist then married his second wife, Susan Ejeagha, in 1965. He is famous for his classic songs like “Akanchawa,” “Enyi Ga Achi,” and “Uwa Ngbede Ka Mma”.

However, he continued to play on radio on a show called “Igbo Play” that was aired by Radio Nigeria. In 1949 at the age of 20, he became an apprentice, learning hairdressing with his friend Cyprain Ozochiawa, who was a barber and musician. Mike’s talent caught the attention of Atu Ona, controller of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service.

The film is directed by Michael Chineme Ike.[7]

In July 2024, “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche“, a song which was released in 1983 as part of his album Akuko N’Egwu Vol. 1, gained widespread recognition due to a viral dance challenge inspired by comedian Brain Jotter.[8]

On September 2, 2024, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah visited Ejeagha at his residence in Enugu, and during the inauguration of the newly constructed roads, he renamed the Abakpa Road after Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.[9]

Controversies

Ejeagha had a court case which was finalised in 2013 with his record label Premier Records, as a result of producing a music video without the label’s approval.

It seeks to identify, recognize and extol the virtues exhibited by exceptional Igbo sons and daughters in a bid to showcase these personalities to the world as exemplars and role models.

Over the years, we have celebrated numerous Igbo sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in different walks of life.