Prof(Sir) Victor Uwaifo, M.O.N the Joromi Crooner is deserving of accolades today as he clocks 80years .
He has had a stint in many areas of the creative world as a Cultural Ambassador, Musician, Writer, Innovator, Sculpture, etc. Today he has become a creative genius with many first to his cap.
Professor Uwaifo was the first Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Edo State. He innovated the 360 degrees revolving magic guitar, the first and only one in the world. He invented 18strings double neck guitar as far back as 1967, fashioned after the mermaid ( mammy water) esoteric Experience at the Bar Beach Lagos. He designed Boeing 727 house in Benin City first in Africa. He designed the first motorized giant kinetic sculpture in Nigeria.
My Encounter with Victorious Victor was about 18 years ago when I travelled to Benin City to prepare the ground for my Final Year Project on Highlife Music in Nigeria as a young undergraduate of Anthropology in University of Ibadan. I knew my project wouldn’t be complete without an impute from Prof who is one of the musical legend of the genre.
My three days Experience in Benin is filled with so much nostalgic memories. Prior my arrival to Benin Professor Uwaifo who was then a Commissioner for Culture and Tourism had already prepared the ground for my coming. I was lodged in a conducive Hospitality place feeling like a young princess( lol). In my 20’s then I had a rare privilege to be accorded so much respect by a Music Icon, Art Connoisseur and Commissioner.
The first day was a day to rest while tidying up for my main mission.
The following morning I was chauffered to Profs Heritage Home. On arrival I met his wife who looked like a river goddess . I soliloquized ” little wonder the song Joromi” what a beauty on Earth.
Prof took me round his museum and I saw many of his innovations , Sculptures, Vinyl Albums and Gold Disc Awards . For me his heritage home was an Experience Center.
While cracking jokes he took me to his State of the Art Studio. I was privileged to listen to few of his Evergreen Songs ie Joromi, Guitar Boy, etc and he took his time to tell me the stories behind every compositions.
Oh! Should I go on or Stop
Happy Birthday to the VICTORIOUS VICTOR @80
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