Victor Uwaifo’s Biography: net worth, family, wife, death
Victor Uwaifo’s Biography: net worth, family, spouse, passing
Nigerian iconic artist, Victor Uwaifo was numerous things combined. For many who are unaware, he was an author, sculptor, and musical instrument creator, university educator, among other professions.
Victor Uwaifo also served as an inspiration to many current Nigerian artists, with some having reimagined his songs.
He was widely recognized within and outside Nigeria as he amassed numerous accolades. He was the first recipient of a gold record in Africa for Joromi, released in 1965; he also had seven other gold records from Guitar Boy, Arabade, Ekassa series, and Akwete music.
To discover more about this iconic artist, keep reading this article.
Profile Overview
Name
Victor Efosa Uwaifo
Date of Birth
March 1st 1941
Age
80
Date of passing
August 28th 2021
Profession
Musician, Guitarist
Nationality
Nigerian
Home State
Edo State
Victor Uwaifo
His complete name is Victor Efosa Uwaifo, born on the 1st of March 1941 in Benin, Edo state. There are no records of his parents’ identities nor information about his siblings.
Education
He attended the Western Boys’ High School Benin and St Gregory’s College, Lagos, from 1957 to 1961 for his secondary education. He subsequently enrolled to study Graphics at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, graduating at the age of 22.
He earned a bachelor’s degree with first-class honors at 54 years old (Valedictorian) and held a master’s degree from the University of Benin, where he specialized in Fine and Applied Arts, focusing on Sculpture. Victor Uwaifo was recognized as one of the most educated musicians globally.
Career
He developed an interest in music from childhood and was already strumming the guitar at 12. He began his musical journey in Benin, Edo state, and continued upon relocating to St Gregory’s College Lagos. Alongside Segun Bucknor, he was one of the prominent school band leaders in Lagos during that time. Whenever on break, he jived with Olaiya’s All-Stars Band.
After completing secondary school, he also worked with E.C Arinze’s bands and collaborated with notable artists like Stephen Osadebe and Fred Coker. In 1965, he established his band, Melody Maestros, and released his popular track Joromi, which became a massive hit in Nigeria and several other West African nations.
He elevated Nigeria on the international stage in 1996 when he became the first recipient of the Golden record in Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa (awarded by Philips, West Africa) for his track “Joromi.”
Aside from music, he was a sculptor and maintained an art gallery showcasing some of his artworks.
Personal life
He enjoyed swimming, bodybuilding, gaming, reading, and writing.
Until his demise, he was a practicing Christian and was united in marriage to Princess Osaretin Uwaifo; their marriage was blessed with children.
Death
Victor Uwaifo passed away on the 28th of August 2021 at the age of 80 due to pneumonia, not related to Covid-19, according to reports from Vanguards.
Net Worth
His net worth is estimated between $1 million to $10 million, primarily derived from his musical career.
