BENIN-CITY/Nigeria: Mr Tony Okoroji, Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), has described late Victor Uwaifo as one of the best Nigerian musicians and sculptors.
Uwaifo, popularly known as ‘Guitar Boy’, died on Saturday at the age of 80.
Okoroji said the late Uwaifo was a multi talented musician, who was also into sculputure that was extraordinary and unique.
“Uwaifo’s death is shocking to me. I saw him recently and he was full of life. In fact, we spoke a week ago.”
“Victor Uwaifo was a kind and multi talented musician.
“His music “Joromi”, “Mami Water” will live forever.
His music transcends generations.
“I promised my son that whenever he visits the country, we will be visiting Uwaifo but unfortunately, this never happened. I told my son about his death today and he started crying.
“He was one of the best Sculptors Nigeria had. May his soul rest in peace,” Okoroji said.
Uwaifo was born on March 1, 1941 in Benin City, Edo, and obtained his secondary school education at the Western Boys’ High School, Benin and St Gregory’s College, Lagos, from 1957 to 1961.
Uwaifo began playing the guitar when he was 12 years old.
He obtained a PhD in Architectural Sculpture from the University of Benin at the age of 77.
Uwaifo was also a Writer, Musical Instrument Inventor, university lecturer, and former Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Edo.
