Legendary Musician Sir Victor Uwaifo Is Dead

Veteran musician Victor Uwaifo has died at the age of 80 in Benin-City. The multi-talented icon was also a songwriter, sculptor and professor. Uwaifo was renowned for his mastery of the guitar and the flute. He won many musical awards both nationally and internationally. His stagecraft and music prowess left millions of his fans in awe throughout his career. He will be remembered for hit songs like ‘Mami Water’, ‘Joromi’ and ‘Guitar Boy’.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family and friends of the legendary musician. In a statement signed by presidential spokesman Femi Adesina,the President said the entire country will miss him.“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 statement said.

“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, masters 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.”

In another development, Edo-born, “Joromi” crooner, Sir Victor Uwaifo, died of Pneumonia, not Covid-19 complications, Goodman Osarentin Uwaifo, son of the late music icon, has said. Goodman Osarentin Uwaifo, was reacting to reports making the rounds that his father died of Covid-19 complications. Goodman Osarentin spoke in company of his sister, Mrs. Evelyn Oghonmwen. Recall that the music legend, whose “Mammy Water” album was a hit for decades, succumbed on Saturday at the age of 80.

Nigerians have been asking questions to know the true cause of his death. Reacting to Nigerians demand, Goodman Osarentin opined: “I want to use this opportunity to clear this misinformation. We have heard rumours going around that our father, Sir Victor Uwaifo died of COVID-19. It is not true.“He died of pneumonia and not COVID-19. He was rushed to the hospital on Friday and passed on the following day on Saturday, August 28. “We did the necessary tests. He was treated for pneumonia.”

Author: Ibukun Babatunde

Port Harcourt, Nigeria

babatundeibukun16@gmail.com