Sir Victor Efosa Uwaifo better known as Sir Victor Uwaifo was a Nigerian artist, musical instrument inventor, musician, scholar, guitarist, writer and first Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Nigeria. He was born on March 1, 1941, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, during the time when Nigeria was under colonial rule. 

Sir Victor Uwaifo

Early Life

At the age of 12, he started playing the guitar, drawing inspiration from Spanish and Latin American music. He went to Western Boys' High School in Benin and later attended St. Gregory's College in Lagos. He finished his high school education between 1957 and 1961. Later, he enrolled at the University of Benin, where he studied fine and applied arts, specializing in sculpture. He excelled in his studies, earning a bachelor's degree with first-class honors and a master's degree. For his doctoral research, he focused on architectural sculpture, specifically a reinvention of Benin Royal Ancestral Pieces.

Career

Uwaifo's music career began while he was studying at St Gregory's College in Lagos. During that time, he played music with Segun Bucknor. After finishing secondary school, he continued to play music late into the night with E.C. Arinze's highlife band. He also had brief stints working with Stephen Osadebe and Fred Coker.

In 1965, Uwaifo formed his own band called Melody Maestros. They released a song called "Joromi," which became a big hit in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. In fact, Uwaifo made history in 1996 when "Joromi" earned him the first golden record in Nigeria, West Africa, and the entire continent of Africa.

During the years from 1965 to 1968, Uwaifo developed a unique rhythm called Akwete and introduced a new beat called Shadow in 1969. In 1971, he inaugurated the Joromi Hotel in Benin City and subsequently established his own television studio. In addition to his music career, Uwaifo also worked as a lecturer at the Department of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Benin in Nigeria.

Uwaifo had a successful and influential music career, creating popular songs, introducing new rhythms, and making significant contributions to the Nigerian music scene.

Record Label

Uwaifo recorded under the name "Victor Uwaifo and His Titibitis" for the label Hypertek Digital 960 Music Group.

Achievements And Awards

Sir Victor Uwaifo, a renowned Nigerian musician, achieved numerous accolades throughout his career. In 1983, he received the National Honors Merit Award from the Federal Government of Nigeria in recognition of his contributions to the music industry. 

Uwaifo was the recipient of the first gold disc in Africa for his song "Joromi" and went on to earn seven additional gold discs for his music. His accomplishments were further acknowledged when he was appointed as the inaugural Honorable Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Tourism and became a member of the State Executive Council in Edo State from 2001 to 2003. Uwaifo's talent and influence extended beyond Nigeria, as he received recognition from four Nigerian Presidents and was invited by the United Nations Staff Day International Committee to perform during the UN Golden Jubilee celebration in 1995.

Discography

Albums

Sir Victor Uwaifo, a guitar virtuoso and superstar from 1970 to 1976, released his remarkable album "Guitar Boy Superstar" in 2008 on the Soundway label. He contributed his exceptional talent as an artist to various compilation albums, including "The Rough Guide to Highlife" (2003, World Music Network), "The Rough Guide To Psychedelic Africa"

Songs

Some of Sir Victor's notable songs include;

- Kirikisi

- Joromi

- Guitar boy

- Dododo

- Akwete

- Siwo siwo

- Ekassa

- Tisha

- No palava

- Happy day from me to you

- Vulcanizer

- Ekassa 28

 Personal Life

Uwaifo had a variety of hobbies, which included swimming, bodybuilding, gaming, reading, and writing. He was a devoted Christian and was happily married with children.

Death

Victor Efosa Uwaifo, a Nigerian music legend, passed away on August 28, 2021, at the age of 80. His contributions to the arts and his impact on Nigerian music and culture remain significant. His legacy lives on, as people still remember and celebrate his contributions.