Opening the page of Nigeria's most educated musical icon of the 20th century - Victor Uwaifo

Officially named Victor Efosa Uwaifo, he was born in Benin City, Edo State on March 1, 1941. As a young boy, he obtained his secondary school education at Western Boys High School, Benin and St. Gregory's College, Lagos, from 1957 to 1961. The young Victor started playing guitar at the age of twelve (12) and it is on record that his earliest popular music influences were Spanish recordings and latin American songs. Little wonder, he was so good with the guitar strings and chord. He was so good in them to the extent that people got carried away with the melody they invoked even before he begins to sing. Uwaifo did his first degree at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State, where he studied graphics and graduated in 1963 at the age of twenty-two (22). He also obtained a Bachelor's degree with first class honours as well as a Master's degree at the ages of fifty-four (54) and fifty-six (56) respectively in the University of Benin where he studied Fine and Applied Arts. The thesis for his PhD in Architectural Sculpture was entitled " A Reinvention of Benin Royal Ancestral Pieces". Uwaifo played with Olaiya's All Stars band during his school days but upon the completion of his secondary school education, he went on to play with E.C. Arinze's highlife band during late hours. He also worked briefly with Stephen Osadebe as well as Fred Coker before he formed his own band, Melody Maestros in 1965. At least, he learnt from the best before opening he's. His band released the song entitled"Joromi" which later became a hit "back to back" not only in Nigeria but also the rest of West Africa and Africa in 1996. Sir Uwaifo is known for his development of the Akwete rhythm between 1965 and 1968. In 1969, he launched a new beat which he called"Shadow" - an admixture of Akwete and Twist. After the launch of Shadow, the Melody Maestros went on tour at different Nigerian cities. The legendary singer and guitarist made use of vocals in making his beats and this added flavour to his songs. This is evident in his masterpiece - Joromi, a song he composed and sang in his local dialect, with its solo, a blend of skills with a variety of musical equipments like electric guitar and piano. In 1971, Sir Uwaifo opened the Joromi hotel in Benin City and about ten years after, he established a private television studio from where he produced a national weekly music and culture programme. Sir Uwaifo had a total of twelve (12) golden records. In 1983, he was given a National Honours Merit award by the Federal government and was also appointed a Member of the Order of Niger (MON). Sir Uwaifo also lectured at the department of Fine and Applied Art in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. He died on August 28, 2021 at the age of eighty (80). He was an accomplished man, father, musician and academic. His blend of music and the academia is enviable and according to him, was as a result of his commitment, discipline and determination to succeed. The 20th Century Edo finest and Superstar's hit songs - Guitar Boy was a continental hit in 1966. It was sang by everyone both young and old. His other songs include: Kirikisi, Ebibi Tupepe, Obodo Eyo, Ekassa 26, Jesu Boy, Hope of man, Ohue and the likes.

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