NIGERIA’S entertainment industry lost another big name to the cold hands of death on Saturday following the death of iconic highlife music percussionist and Joromi crooner, Sir Victor Uwaifo.
President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with family, friends and associates of legendary musician, saying that he left a legacy of successes in many areas of life, including academia and administration.
The President in a statement by his media aide, Femi Adesina, joined the Nigerian music industry and performing artistes, home and abroad, in mourning the former first Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Edo State, who was also the first musician and instrumentalist to be given National Honours Merit, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 1983.
Also reacting, music icons, Evangelist Ebenezer ObeyFabiyi and king of Juju music, Sunday Adeyeye, also mourn- ed the demise of Uwaifo.
Obey said he received the news of Uwaifo’s death with shock, adding that Nigeria has lost one of its greatest musicians.
“I have been in London for medical attention for over two months now, though I will be home soon. I have taken the stock of the numbers of great musicians that are passing on one after the other and this is the generation I belong to. From Dr Victor Olaiya, Pa Chris Ajilo, Dele Ojo, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Prince Adekunle and lots of legends, actors and actresses in the entertainment industry. My reflection is that death is the truth a reality of life.
“Sir Victor Uwaifo and I have a cordial relationship. He is very talented and a well-organised musician that has professional music management. He was also the first musician that advertised his shows in the DailyTimes,” he added.
The General Manager of KSA, Mr Clement Ige, described the death of Uwaifo as a colossal loss to the entertainment industry and Nigeria at large.
He noted that the music icon had been a great admirer of KSA about five decades ago, noting that he was an endeared role model.
The legendary musician whose Mammy Water album was a hit for decades died at the age of 80 with details of death yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.
Being the first professional musician to be awarded the National Merit Honours of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), Sir Uwaifo rocked the music industry in the 80s and was the teacher of many music greats who were inspired by his music and arts.
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