The 1983 hit song "Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche" by 90-year-old Igbo folk music legend Mike Ejeagha has gone viral on social media after comedian Brainjotter used part of the song in a short skit.

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha is well-known in South Eastern Nigeria, where his highlife songs have been delighting listeners for decades, even though many younger admirers are only now becoming familiar with his music.

Since Mike Ejeagha has become popular once again after Brainjotter used his song for a dance challenge, MyNigeria shares about the incredible career and legacy of this Igbo music star, which goes beyond the popular "Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo" phrase that is currently trending online, as his viral fame brings him to a new generation.

Here are some facts you probably did not know about the legendary singer:

1. Background and musical career

To begin with, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha was born in Imezi Owa, Eziagu Local Government, Enugu State, in August 1932. His involvement in an Ogene group during his primary school years marked the beginning of his musical adventure at a young age.

After listening to Moses Aduba, well known as Moscow, and Cyprian Uzochiawa perform at the Coal Camp in Enugu, Ejeagha's interest in the guitar took off.

His great musical career began when he was encouraged to learn the guitar by these early influences. Ejeagha established Mike Ejeagha and Merry-makers, his first band, in 1950 after honing his guitar technique.

2. His rise to fame

Following an audition with the late Atu Ona, the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS) Controller at the time, Mike Ejeagha's popularity began to take off.

Ejeagha was given access to a tool called "Guitar Playtime," which gave him the ability to compose music and perform live. He was able to form the Premier Dancing Band, a larger group, thanks to this exposure.

After Nigeria's Civil War, his popularity increased even further. This was the time he worked with Polygram Records, then Phillips Records, to record the album “Omekagu.”

Additionally, he solidified his reputation in the hearts of many by sharing a new folktale every week on the radio program “Akuko n'egwu” (storytelling in music) on the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), which is now the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS).

3. Mike's legacy

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha has also recorded 33 albums in his career, all of which have added to his legendary stature. His timeless albums continue to bridge the generational divide by connecting with listeners of all ages.

Meanwhile, a new generation has become aware of “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche's” songs thanks to his latest social media viral phenomenon. It thus demonstrates his lasting legacy.

He has made a significant contribution to Igbo folklore music. In essence, it has brought him honours and made him known as a significant player in the history of Nigerian music.

GA