Being a faithful fan of the Lavolta Stars band, one thing that is worth knowing is that this musical band has been motivated by the success of great African music icons such as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Victor Olaiya, Victor Uwaifo, Femi Kuti, Ik Dairo and many others. This explains the tribute song that was made for the late Victor Uwaifo. The phrase “Give honor to whom honor is due” was definitely taken into cognizance by this band as this was glaring in the song that was backed up with visuals of the late legend.
Any individual who loves and adores good music will understand the place of the legend Victor Uwaifo in the music world. Guitar Boy, as he was popularly called, died six months after celebrating his 80th birthday in March 2021. Uwaifo was the first musician in Nigeria to be awarded the National Merit Honours of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). He was also the first Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Nigeria.
Uwaifo stands out today, intellectually sound both in mind and body as the most educated performing music icon in the world and the most read contemporary superstar still relevant over 50 years on stage till date. He has over 600 songs and 100 records to his credit with 8 gold and 2 silver awards.
Each record is music of serious research and philosophical work equivalent to academic journal. His ‘Joromi’ hit song released in 1965, won for Nigeria the first Gold Disc Record ever to come out of the continent of Africa in a competitive world. Uwaifo is the first Benin man to receive the Nigerian National Honours; Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 1983, for his contributions to creativity and industry.
Little wonder why a man of such calibre will be a motivation to the Lavolta Stars band, which has also began to make history. This explains the swiftness at which the tribute song was made and released very few weeks after his death was announced.
The Joromi infused tribute is sure to send chills down the spine of a big fan of Victor Uwaifo and at every point when the tribute is played or performed, one can only admire the impact the legend has made and how many music artistes that are threading his path.
While the death of the music legend might seem like a great void in the Nigeria music industry, it is certain that the legend has done a good job in ensuring that this void is quickly filled with the likes of the Lavolta Stars.
Merely seeing what this band has been able to do with music in the last two years with the release of When The Music Plays, Wetin Dey Occur and Agbedegbeyoni, we have seen consistency, passion and substance in their music and performance. Therefore, when our music legends go to sleep, we know they have ran so the present generation of music artistes in Nigeria can fly.
While it hurts to say rest in peace Sir Victor Uwaifo, we know for sure that you have paid the price and your music lives forever.
Listen below.
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