Victor Uwaifo named Human Living Treasure by UNESCO

Uwaifo, an acclaimed guitarist, was the first Nigerian artist to have a gold record. The feat was accomplished in 1966 for the song ‘Joromi’, which has been remixed several times since.

In recent times, Uwaifo has brought his music to a generation of young listeners by working with 2Baba. Besides recording music, the artist is also a sculptor and has lectured at the University of Benin in Edo state.

Defined by UNESCO as “a person who possesses to a high degree the knowledge and skills required for performing or recreating specific elements of the intangible cultural heritage”, the Human Living Treasure project was started by UNESCO to honour exceptional individuals in various fields.

The announcement led to congratulations from Edo state governor Peter Obaseki. "Sir Victor Uwaifo is not only recognised in music but also in the academia, fine and applied arts, and culture,” Obaseki said. “Even now, musicians are winning the Nobel Prize for literature. I am, therefore, not surprised to find that one of the foremost musicians and legends of highlife music in West Africa is being honoured as a living treasure.”

To celebrate his induction, Uwaifo will tour Nigeria, the UK, Ghana, the US, the Caribbean and South Africa.

Uwaifo's selection was made by Bose Fagbemi, a curator in Paris, France. Speaking about the process, Fagbemi said she was looking for a person with talent in art and music. Her research led her Uwaifo, a talented artist in several fields. "I found one who possesses about four," she said, "fine artist, musician, inventor, composer and author."