Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

UWAIFO, Sir Victor

(b '41 Benin City, Nigeria) Singer-composer, leader; plays guitar, flute, keyboards etc. Former amateur wrestler "Sir' Victor adapted "palm wine' style of mid- west Nigeria, sings in Edo and Pidgin, developed new rhythms and dance styles with facility that maintained popularity for two decades. To Lagos late '50s to complete education; led school bands, joined Victor Olaiya All-Stars; won scholarship to technical college '62, played in spare time with E.C. Arinze. Joined Nigerian TV service '64, saving money to buy instruments; formed the Melody Maestros '65, made singles: "Joromi' a huge hit all over West Africa. More than 100 singles and eight LPs in the next decade; with 16-piece band representing Nigeria at Black Arts Festival in Algeria '69, toured USA and Japan '70; opened Joromi Hotel in Benin City '71; toured USSR and Europe '73, many tours of West Africa. Best-selling albums incl. Roots, At The Crossroads, Jackpot, Laugh And Cry. Over 50 graduates of band had their own careers, e.g. Sonny Okosun. Established own TV studio '80s with weekly national half-hour show; LPs in '80s incl. Uwaifo '84, No Palava.