The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his Deputy Philip Shaibu has paid glory tribute to legendary musician and art teacher, Prof. Victor Uwaifo, whose death was reported Saturday evening.
The governor, in a statement, expressed shock and sadness over the news of the passing of Prof. Uwaifo, noting that his death was a loss to Edo State, Nigeria and the Black Race.
According to him, “I received the news of the loss of legendary musician and art teacher, Prof. Victor Uwaifo, with shock and sadness.
“He was talented, phenomenal and an illustrious son of Edo State who wowed the world with his array of skills, notably his music talent.
“An all-round artist, Prof. Uwaifo was an enigma, who made music for all, bringing the contemporary Benin culture to the world stage and providing vicarious experience of the peculiarities of our art and culture to a global audience.”
The governor prayed that God will grant the Uwaifo family, friends, associates and well wishers the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Similarly, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, has described the death of Prof. Victor Uwaifo as the end of an era in the African, Nigerian and Edo musical scene.
“The death of Sir Victor Uwaifo has suddenly closed an era in the African, Nigerian and Edo musical scene. He brought Pride and glory to old Bendel and Edo State, as a worthy son and Ambassador through his magnetic live performances,”
In a condolence message to mourn the global musical legend, he said “Edo State has lost not just a musical and artistic legend, but a great institution has fallen from us at a time the Nigerian youth needs more of his mentorship and experiences”,
According to Comrade Shaibu, “language was the source of Prof. Sir Victor Uwaifo’s fame; besides, his musical talent, the density and immensity of his artistic works, tourist outfit and love for creative arts were perhaps the major things that trade marked him.
“Adieu to the father of undiluted sounds and an all – rounder. A legendary Nigerian musician, writer, sculptor, and musical instrument inventor, who played virtually all instruments with all humility, inspite of his sound education as a PH.D holder in Architectural sculpture. He was indeed blessed on every side.”
While expressing shock over the news, the Edo Deputy Governor also said: “Our illustrious son was a cultural icon who recorded many first in various spheres of life. He was a First Class graduate. He was the first Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Nigeria. He was the first winner of a gold disc in Africa. A renowned teacher and Mentor.
The Deputy Governor prayed the good Lord to give Sir Victor Uwaifo’s immediate family, close associates, the musical and academic Community, as well as friends and well wishes, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“Prof. Sir, Victor Uwaifo, Rest In Peace” the message concluded.
Uwaifo who died at 80 was in addition to music, a writer, sculptor, and musical instrument inventor, University lecturer. He was a one time commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Edo State.
Born 1st March 1941 in Benin City, Edo State, Victor Uwaifo, fondly called ‘Guitar boy’, died at the age of 80.
Uwaifo, started his secondary school education at Western Boys’ High School Benin and St Gregory’s College, Lagos, from 1957 to 1961.
After studying graphics at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Uwaifo obtained a bachelor’s degree with first-class honours at 54 and a master degree from the University of Benin at 56,where he studied fine and applied arts and majored in sculpture
Recognized as the most educated performing music legend, musical instrument inventor, artist, worldwide. with a Ph.D in Architectural Sculpture from the University of Benin, at 77, Sir Victor Uwaifo is the first professional musicians to be awarded with the National Merit Honours of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
A writer, sculptor, musical instrument inventor, a University lecturer in the Department of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Benin, Benin City, as first Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Nigeria, Professor Victor Efosa Uwaifo, is recognized as the most educated performing music legend.
Sir Uwaifo, who developed the Akwete rhythm sound between 1965 and 1968 had in 1969, launched a new beat called Shadow, then accompanied by a new Shadow dance, a mixture of Akwete and twist.
The sound was released when soul music was popular in Lagos and lasted a few years. After the launch of Shadow, the Melody Maestros went on tour of various Nigerian cities.
Uwaifo later experimented with a new rhythm that was similar to soul but soon left it for Ekassa, an interpretation of a traditional Benin sound.
In 1971, Uwaifo opened the Joromo Hotel in Benin City, and within ten years established his own television studio. From there he produced a national weekly music and culture programme.
Some of his greatest hits include Guitar Booy, Joromi / Monkey Yanga, Ebiss Ebiss, Akwete, Oliha, Siwo Siwo, Do Amen Do, Sesese, Eralo Gbengigiaio, Tisha, Agege Ogigbo, Simini – Simini Ekassa, Okuo Ida Mue Mue Akwete, and many others.
Uwaifo has travelled to many countries, including the United States, Russia, Japan, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Romania, Germany, France, Hungary, Rome, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin Republic, Spain, and Canada.
