By Godwin Obi
Nigerians from various works of life have continued to condoled with the family, friends and associates of legendary musician and multi-talented artiste, Sir Victor Uwaifo, who passed away on Saturday, 28th August 2021.
Sir Victor Uwaifo who became popular with great tunes like Joromi, Guitar Boy died after a brief illness in Benin City the age of 80.
The legendary highlife musician will be remembered at the first professional musicians to be awarded with the National Merit Honours of Member of the Order of the Niger ,(MON) and a multi instrumentalist.
He was also the first Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Nigeria
Professor Sir Victor Uwaifo, MON was born on March 1, 1941 and was a musician, writer, sculptor, and musical instrument inventor and University lecturer.
He was the winner of the first gold disc in Africa for Joromi released in 1965 and seven other gold discs in Guitar boy, Arabade, Ekassa series and Akwete music.
He is recognised as the most educated performing music legend, musical instrument inventor, artist, worldwide with a B.A Honors (first class valedictorian), Masters degree and Ph.D in Architectural Sculpture, University of Benin, Nigeria
In his condolence, President Buhari said he joined the Nigerian music industry and performing artistes, home and abroad, in mourning the former first Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism (Edo State), who was also the first musician and instrumentalist to be given National Honours Merit, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 1983.
President Buhari believes the renowned musician, with global appeal and recognitions, lived for many firsts, which include invitation to the State House by four presidents and Heads of State, and winner of a gold disc in Africa for his song, “Joromi’’, released in 1965 at the age of 24.
The President notes the glory that Sir Uwaifo brought to Nigeria through his international tours, and the active role he played in national development, returning to school to get a first degree at age 54 with first class honours, masters degree at 56, and a doctorate at 77.
President Buhari prays for the soul of the departed musician, writer, sculptor, musical instrument inventor and university lecturer, knowing the entire country, particularly the music industry, will sorely miss him as he leaves behind a legacy of successes in many areas of life, including academia and administration
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