By Correspondent in Abuja.
Sir Victor Uwaifo,the music icon with the popular tracks “Joromi” and “Mammy Water”, is dead, according to family Sources.
The legendary musician,who marked his 80th birthday in March this year,was until his death remain the hits till his death on Saturday in Edo state capital,was a multi instrumentalist and a renowned virtual artist.
One of his children, Uwaifo Peter de Rock, who broke the news of the demise of the Professor of Visual Arts, University of Benin, UNIBEN, on his Facebook page, on Saturday evening, did not disclose the cause of his late father’s death but, expressed anguish at the passage of the music star.
The legendary musicologist served as Commissioner for Arts and Culture under the governorship of Lucky Igbinedion.
The deceased was a First Class graduate of Visual Arts, from UNIBEN and had to credit, his undergraduate project of a king on a horse, which is the signature arts poster at the Ekenwan Campus of the university.
Sir Victor Uwaifo was noted for playing the guitar with dexterity and dancing steps.
Details of this collosal figure in the entertainment industry in Nigeria and beyond the shores of the country remain sketchy as at the time of this report.
Meanwhile, the President, Muhammadu Buhari, has expressed shock over the death of Uwaifor, popular called ‘Guitar Boy’.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, Buhari acknowledged the glory that the late Uwaifo brought to Nigeria through his arts.
“President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with family, friends and associates of legendary musician and multi-talented artiste, Sir Victor Uwaifo, who passed on Saturday, leaving a legacy of successes in many areas of life, including academia and administration.
“The President joins 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, Master 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,” Adesina said.
