Harvard Host Screening of Mike Ejeagha’s Documentary

By Nurudeen Adebayo

The legacy of Nigerian highlife legend Mike Ejeagha will take centre stage at Harvard University  as the institution hosts a special screening of Gentleman: The Legend of Mike Ejeagha—a documentary that delves into the musician’s profound impact on music, language preservation, and oral storytelling.

The Legend of Mike Ejeagha, a documentary chronicling the life and enduring influence of one of Nigeria’s most revered musicians and storytellers.

The screening, set to begin at 10 a.m. ET during the Igbo AB class, is part of a growing academic interest in African music and oral traditions—not merely as artistic expressions, but as powerful educational and cultural tools.

Directed by Michael Chineme Ike and produced by Micstreams Production Ltd., the film paints an intimate portrait of Mike Ejeagha, a man whose music has, for decades, carried the weight of ancestral wisdom, moral instruction, and linguistic pride.

Premiered in Enugu in December 2024, the documentary weaves together interviews, archival footage, and firsthand narrative accounts to trace Ejeagha’s life from his humble beginnings to his emergence as a cultural custodian.

Known for fusing Igbo folklore with highlife rhythms, Ejeagha’s songs are less about entertainment and more about enlightenment—crafted with wit, wisdom, and a deep respect for the oral traditions of his people.

“What makes Ejeagha’s music stand out is not just the melody, but the message,” said Michael Ike, who will be present at the Harvard event for a Q&A session with students. “He turned everyday stories into parables, using music to preserve language and values that are quickly disappearing.”

Born in the early 20th century, Ejeagha began recording in the 1960s, gradually building a legacy grounded in linguistic preservation and cultural storytelling. His lyrics—almost always sung in Igbo—are peppered with idioms, folk tales, and proverbial wisdom passed down through generations. Through his discography, he has created an archive not just of sound, but of heritage.

The Harvard screening offers students and scholars a rare window into this legacy, encouraging cross-cultural dialogue around the preservation of indigenous languages and artistic traditions. For the Igbo AB class, it’s a fitting complement to their curriculum—bringing the living language into conversation with its cultural and musical context.

“This documentary is more than a biography; it’s a celebration of oral history and its power to educate,” said a program coordinator. “Ejeagha’s story reminds us that African traditions have their own systems of knowledge transmission, and they deserve a place in global academic discourse.”

As African artists and storytellers continue to gain visibility on the world stage, the spotlight on Ejeagha is both timely and necessary.

His legacy, rooted in the art of storytelling, continues to inspire a new generation of musicians, linguists, and cultural historians—both in Nigeria and across the diaspora.

For many, Gentleman: The Legend of Mike Ejeagha is not just a film—it’s an invitation to listen, learn, and remember.