Victor Efosa Uwaifo – tribute at 80 years: A reflection

By Tony Agenmonmen

GROWING up as a young man in Edo State, the name Sir Victor Uwaifo rang a very loud bell. Talk of a music superstar and you have one. His name and music ruled the airwaves. Who does not remember his unique and magical guitar? Yes, “guitar boy” he is fondly called after the hit tune by same title. But by far the most famous of all his music that became somewhat of a national anthem is Joromi. The song was not only popular, there was also some mystique and different stories about the inspiration for the music.

From a distance, I have quietly admired Prof. Victor Uwaifo’s artistry and genius. He has excelled in music, in the arts and in academics. At 50 years plus, he went back to the university and within a short time, he acquired BA, MA and Ph.D. Today he is a renowned professor. Even though I have listened to his music, watched his many shows on television, I never had the opportunity of meeting him face to face until sometime about seven years ago when official work took me to his museum located in Benin.

Having spent quite a large of my life in Benin, I knew very well the little road that had the signpost to Sir Victor Uwaifo Avenue but never been there. So, it was with high expectation when I went there with my colleagues on this very auspicious day. As humble as ever, Prof. Victor Uwaifo personally took us round his very impressive Victor Uwaifo Palazzo Museum. Awesome is the only word to describe what we saw in that museum. Every single element in the museum was designed and created by the maestro himself. From the car which actually did move on the road at some point in time, to the large aircraft shaped conference room, it could only have been Prof. Victor Uwaifo to conceive and berth them. The museum is certainly one of the best kept secret in Nigeria. It ought to be given the status of a national museum. Did I mention I finally had the opportunity to ask him about the famous “mammy water” that reportedly inspired Joromi? He answered the question. Best to find the time to visit that impressive museum and get the answer direct from him yourself.

Since that first time of meeting him in Benin, I have since watched Sir Victor Uwaifo live in a few shows. It is amazing the amount of energy he still radiates even at his age.

At 80, Prof. Victor Uwaifo looks strong to go many more years. It is my prayer that God will continue to bless him and keep him strong with good health. The “guitar boy” is a jolly good fellow. Cheers to our own very Sir Victor Efosa Uwaifo

• Tony Agenmonmen, fnimn, is President, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN)
• First published on March 6, 2021 to mark Uwaifo’s 80th birthday anniversary