Sir Victor Uwaifo, a legendary highlife musician and guitarist has died.
The veteran musician died at the age of 80 in his house in Benin. According to a source close to the family, he died after a brief illness.
Sir Uwaifo was a Nigerian musician, writer, sculptor, and University lecturer. He’s also the first Honorable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Nigeria.
The iconic artiste is also the first professional musician to be awarded with the National Merit Honours of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
His tracks “Joromi” and “Mammy Water” were hits even till his demise.
Furthermore, he’s recognized as the most educated performing musical legend. With a B.A. Honors (first class valedictorian), Masters degree and Ph.D. in Architectural Sculpture (Thesis: A reinvention of Benin Royal Ancestral Pieces, University of Benin, Nigeria) all to his name.
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President Muhammad’s Buhari has also joined in the outpouring of emotions for the late singer. In a statement released by President Buhari via his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, he said that he believes the renowned musician, with global appeal and recognitions, lived for many firsts, which included invitation to the State House by four presidents and Heads of State, and being the winner of a gold disc in Africa for his song, “Joromi’’, released in 1965 at the age of 24.
Along with the first gold disc, Sir Uwaifo went on to win seven more. Notably in Guitar boy, Arabade, Ekassa series and Akwete music.
