Victor Uwaifo

Victor Efosa Uwaifo (1 March 1941 – 28 August 2021) was a Nigerian musician, writer, sculptor, and musical instrument inventor, university lecturer, and the first commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Nigeria. He was the winner of the first Gold disc in Africa ("Joromi") released in 1965 and seven other Gold discs in "Guitar Boy", "Arabade", the Ekassa series and his Akwete music. He recorded under the name "Victor Uwaifo and His Titibitis".

Early life and education Victor Efosa Uwaifo was born in Benin City, Edo State, Colonial Nigeria and obtained his secondary school education at the Western Boys' High School Benin and St Gregory's College, Lagos, from 1957 to 1961. He began playing guitar when he was 12 years old, his earliest popular music influences being records of Spanish and Latin American music. He studied graphics at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State and graduated in 1961–63 at the age of 22.

When he was 54 years old, he received a bachelor's degree with first-class honours (valedictorian) and in 1997, aged 56, a master's degree from the University of Benin where he studied fine and applied arts and majored in sculpture. The thesis for his PhD in architectural sculpture was entitled A reinvention of Benin Royal Ancestral Pieces, University of Benin, Nigeria.

Career After leaving Benin, Uwaifo continued playing music at St Gregory's College, Lagos. He was a contemporary of Segun Bucknor, and they were both among the leading Lagos high school bandleaders at the time. During school holidays and weekends, he jammed with Olaiya's All Stars band. In 1971, Uwaifo opened the Joromi Hotel in Benin City, and within ten years established his own television studio. From there, he produced a national weekly music and culture programme.

National recognition The Federal Government of Nigeria, in appreciation of his talents and contributions to Nigeria, honored Uwaifo with a National Honors Merit Award in 1983, which read in part:

Uwaifo was the first professional musician in Nigeria to receive such an award. He was a Justice of the Peace and had served in many capacities. Uwaifo was also appointed the Honorable Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Tourism and a Member of the State Executive Council, the highest policy-making decision body in Edo State from 2001 to 2003.

Appointed Justice of Peace (JP), Public Notary, and Lay Magistrate, Victor Uwaifo was honoured by four Nigerian Presidents. He was awarded the National Honours of Nigeria (MON).

Business enterprises Uwaifo was the Chairman of Joromi Organization, a multi-track recording and television studio in Benin City.

Discography Sir Victor Uwaifo Guitar Boy Superstar 1970-76 (2008, Soundway) Contributing artist The Rough Guide to Highlife (2003, World Music Network) The Rough Guide To Psychedelic Africa (2012, World Music Network) The Rough Guide to African Disco (2013, World Music Network)