Entertainment
‘Gwogwogwom-gwo’ Highlife Legend, Mike Ejeagha Dies At 95
Nigeria has lost one of its most revered musical icons as highlife legend, Mike Ejeagha, popularly known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha”, passed away on Friday night at the age of 95.
His death was confirmed by his first son, Emmanuel Ejeagha, who told reporters on Saturday that the musician died around 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Military Hospital in Enugu after a prolonged illness.
“My father passed away due to a long-standing ailment,” Emmanuel said solemnly, marking the end of an era in Nigeria’s cultural and musical history.
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ejeagha rose to national prominence between the 1960s and 1980s.
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He was celebrated for his unique blend of Igbo folklore and highlife music, with hits such as “Omekagu,” “Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma,” and the classic “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche – Gwogwogwom.”
Ejeagha’s contributions to music went far beyond entertainment. He was a custodian of Igbo oral traditions, using storytelling in his lyrics to educate and preserve indigenous knowledge.
His work includes over 300 recorded songs, many of which are archived at the National Archives of Nigeria, serving as both musical and cultural records.
Remarkably, his music found new life in 2024 when a viral social media dance challenge based on his 1983 track “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” captured the imagination of a new generation, making him an unlikely digital sensation.
Ejeagha’s passing is being mourned across the country, with tributes pouring in from fans, musicians, and cultural institutions. Many have described him as a “musical philosopher” whose compositions blended wit, wisdom, and traditional values.
Though the curtain has fallen on a legend, Mike Ejeagha’s legacy will continue to live on through his timeless songs and the cultural impact he leaves behind.
Africa’s biggest reality television show returns today as Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 11 officially premieres, with millions of fans across Nigeria and beyond eagerly waiting to meet a fresh set of housemates competing for the biggest prize in the show’s history.
The new season, themed “Everything Is For The Taking,” promises another 10 weeks of non-stop entertainment, drama, unexpected twists, strategic alliances and fierce competition as contestants battle for glory inside Biggie’s house.
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In what has become the most lucrative reward since the reality show began, organisers have unveiled a record ₦160 million grand prize, comprising ₦100 million in cash and a brand-new SUV, raising the stakes higher than ever before.
As with previous editions, the identities of this season’s contestants have been kept secret ahead of the opening night, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the moment the new housemates walk through Biggie’s famous doors.
Popular media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu returns as the host of the hit reality show. Beyond anchoring the live eviction and launch shows, Ebuka’s launch-night fashion has become one of the programme’s biggest attractions over the years, with viewers once again looking forward to his signature stylish appearance.
Time and How to Watch
The BBNaija Season 11 premiere begins at 7:00 p.m. (WAT) today.
Fans can watch the live launch on:
Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151)
Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154 and GOtv Channel 7)
Viewers who prefer streaming can also follow the premiere live through the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps on compatible smartphones, tablets and smart TVs.
Following the launch show, fans will have unrestricted access to every moment inside Biggie’s house through the 24-hour live broadcast on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 49, allowing viewers to keep up with the contestants throughout the season.
With a record-breaking grand prize, a brand-new lineup of housemates and another unpredictable journey ahead, BBNaija Season 11 is widely expected to deliver one of the most competitive and entertaining editions of the reality show.
Popular Nigerian content creator and self-styled relationship and finance influencer, Emmanuel Obruste, popularly known as GehGeh, has responded to criticism after videos of him attending what appeared to be a traditional wedding ceremony sparked widespread reactions online.
The controversy began after GehGeh shared videos from the event on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday.
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In the clips, he was seen dressed in a matching burgundy traditional outfit with a lady, while an invitation card identified the couple as Mary and Prosper, leading many social media users to speculate that the influencer had secretly tied the knot.
The videos quickly went viral, with several Nigerians accusing GehGeh of hypocrisy, claiming his appearance at the ceremony contradicted the relationship advice he is known for giving on social media.
Addressing the backlash, GehGeh dismissed the claims, insisting that he has never advised anyone against marriage. He also clarified that he was only representing his brother, who lives abroad.
“So I no fit represent my brother wey dey abroad?” he wrote in one of his posts.
Responding directly to critics, GehGeh challenged anyone to produce evidence that he had ever discouraged marriage.
“I never for once told y’all not to get married. Did I? If yes, show me a video of me telling you not to marry.”
He further argued that many Nigerians misunderstand how social media works, saying: “Nigerians really don’t understand how social media works. If you know how to use it properly, you will never lack.”
Despite his clarification, the incident has continued to generate mixed reactions across social media, with some users accepting his explanation while others remain sceptical.
Global music icon Shakira has revealed why Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy was her top choice for the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, Dai Dai, saying she wanted a powerful masculine voice to complement the song’s Afrobeat-inspired sound.
Speaking during an interview on the Capital Evening Show with Jimmy Hill, which aired on July 8, the Colombian singer explained that the energy of the World Cup and the musical direction of the track made Burna Boy the perfect collaborator.
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According to Shakira, she knew the song needed a strong male vocal to balance its vibrant sound.
“Once I had the song, I felt that I really needed a male vocal, a male voice in the song. The World Cup carries a big male energy, and I wanted someone who could bring that very masculine voice in this Afrobeat setting,” she said.
She described Dai Dai as a fusion of Afrobeats, Caribbean rhythms and elements of R&B, noting that Afrobeats remains the song’s dominant influence.
Shakira also disclosed that she had admired Burna Boy’s artistry for years and had always hoped to collaborate with him.
“I always loved Burna. I always wanted to do something with him,” she said.
The Grammy-winning singer revealed that although Burna Boy initially delayed sending his verse for nearly 20 days, she remained hopeful that the collaboration would come together.
“It took a while. I was waiting for 20 days for him to send something, and I thought maybe he wasn’t going to do it,” she recalled.
However, she said the wait was worth it after the Nigerian star eventually delivered what she described as the “perfect” contribution.
“But then he sent his magic, and it was absolutely perfect. His voice works so well on this song. I couldn’t imagine anybody else on it.”
Shakira further admitted she was determined to have Burna Boy featured on the track.
“I was so obsessed about having Burna on this track. I’m so glad that I got him,” she added.
Dai Dai served as the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was first performed by Shakira and Burna Boy during the tournament’s opening ceremony on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The pair later reunited for the historic first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, alongside Uganda’s renowned dance group, Ghetto Kids.
The collaboration marked Shakira’s latest contribution to FIFA World Cup music since the global success of Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) in 2010, while Burna Boy’s appearance further cemented Afrobeats’ growing influence on the international stage.
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