TELL Magazine

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) and immediate past governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has described late music legend, Sir Victor Uwaifo as an intellectual who tried to bring to reality his thoughts in music and the arts. He said apart from entertainment, Uwaifo’s music also taught a lesson.

Oshiomhole, in a glowing tribute to the departed multi-talented artiste, eulogised him as a man who by his creativity, talent and industry brought Nigeria and Edo State global recognition.

Speaking during a condolence visit to the family of the late music legend in company with chieftains of the APC in the state, Oshiomhole further described Uwaifo as an “original musician” and his music irresistible.

According to him, “There are many ways in which he affected my life. As young men in the typical rural village when there was no light, no road, anytime we wanted to listen to music, we would make request through Radio Nigeria. We listened to radio using battery; the number one record we always requested was Victor Uwaifo – Guitar Boy, Joromi, and others – and we would wear our knickers and dance. And then there were stories about the exploits of Uwaifo in the music world.

“In this part of the world and at that time, the man who forcefully put Nigeria, put the face of Edo on the world map was Sir Victor Uwaifo by his own creativity, his talent and his industry. You cannot resist the music.

“We always pray that may God give us long life and good health because you can live so long and become a vegetable; one is not dying, one is not living. We thank God that he came in the manner he did, and he left without being a burden to the family.”

Recalling his experience with the late music icon while he was governor of Edo State, Oshiomhole said “As a steward at Osadebe Avenue which you call governor, under 24 hours notice, he would always be there, even as a guest. But sometimes, I would tell him, sir, the people want to hear your voice. Even though he wasn’t invited to play, he would oblige us.

“He was an original musician. In his days, you had to master good English language; you have to have a natural good voice not digitally aided and shopped,. You have to either have it or you don’t. The voice of Uwaifo was not the result of manipulation of modern gadgets; it was a natural gift that God gave him and his music has meaning. When you listen, beyond the entertainment, you also pick a lesson.

“Uwaifo was an intellectual. Beyond music, Uwaifo was always busy. If he can think it through, he would try to create and translate it.

“Edo people and Nigeria have lost an elder statesman, and I am happy that President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged this fact that Uwaifo was one of the few artistes that succeeding heads of states and presidents recognized and invited to state functions.”