Oluwatosin Enesi
Also known as Gentlemen, Ejeagha has been influential in the evolution of music in the Igbo language for over 6 decades. His first hit was in 1960 – the year of Nigeria’s independence.
Ejeagha is a distinct story-teller accompanied by guitar style and his lyrics are laced with proverbs; lending his music a didactic style. He writes his own music and his lyrics are in Igbo language. Ejeagha said in 2004: “Life at old age is quite enjoyable, especially when the Almighty God gives you good health”.
Ejeagha has contributed over three hundred recordings to the National Archives of Nigeria produced during his field work to investigate Igbo folklore highlife music.
On the 12 September 2022, it was reported that a documentary film on his life titled “Gentleman” is under production. The Film is directed by Michael Chineme Ike.
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.
The legendary folklore musician is gaining massive recognition with his song ‘Onye Ori Utaba” 41 years after its release.
The song, a folklore about the cunningness of the Tortoise and the strength of the Elephant went viral again when comedian, Brain Jotter, recently used it in one of his videos.
The video has since garnered 29.1 million views with over 30,000 comments on Instagram while accumulating 19.6 million views on TikTok and over 23,000 comments.
Up until his newfound fame, many of the new generation listeners knew little about the musician known for his rich narratives that capture the essence of Igbo folklore and tradition.
Our Reporter
