Nigerian highlife great Mike Ejeagha honoured with road in Enugu

Mike Ejeagha Crescent, where the musician resides, was among four roads inaugurated by Enugu State governor Peter Mbah on Monday.

The nonagenarian’s popularity has seen a nationwide revival in recent months after local comic Brain Jotter featured his 1983 hit ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’ in a viral skit.

Ejeagha, celebrated for his Igbo folklore and traditional rhythms, started his career with an ogene group and was influenced by guitarists Aduba and Uzochiawa. In 1950, he formed Mike Ejeagha and the Merrymakers. His fame grew through Nigerian Broadcasting Service’s Guitar Playtime programmee, albums like Omekagu and Akuko Na Egwu Vol. 1, and folktale broadcasts on Anambra Broadcasting Service.

“We have always told people that Enugu State is the home of legends,” Mbah said. “It is not just sporting legends. We also have the music icons, and we have one man, Mike Ejeagha, who, through his folk songs, has primarily brought memories of years gone by to our doorsteps. He is a man who reminds us of our golden heritage as a people.

“When we talked about Enugu as the centre of art and culture, this man brought Enugu to that epicentre. We are here to celebrate him while he is still living with us.

“So, in honour of him, Obinagu Road, the entire stretch of the road leading to his home, is named after him and will now be known as Mike Ejeagha Road,” he stated.

Receiving the governor at his home, Ejeagha, through his son Emma, noted that while previous governments had made promises that went unfulfilled, governor Mbah delivered on his without prior announcements.

In July, Ejeagha appreciated Brain Jotter for rejuvenating interest in his song ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’. The skit, which comically reenacts the song’s story about a tortoise tricking an elephant, inspired an online dance challenge featuring leading musicians like Victony.

Speaking on behalf of his father, Ejeagha’s son said: “[It’s been] over 30-something years [since] that music was recorded but as God might have it, you Brain Jotter would be the one to make this song go viral  – and it will continue to go viral. God bless you.”