Afro-Pop acts like Davido and Wizkid are pushing Afrobeat to the world and while their efforts are admirable, it is important to note that acts like Sir Victor Uwaifo and Fela were first responsible for exporting African and Nigerian music with performances around the world dating back to the days of the Cold War.
In addition to being one of the original ambassadors of Afrobeat to the world, Uwaifo is considered an inventor of the double neck “magic guitar” with 18 strings and also a genius at sculpting. Another thing the 75 year old man shall add to his list of titles is Living Human Treasure, an award employed by UNESCO to reward those who possess to a high degree the knowledge and skills required for performing or re-creating specific elements of the intangible cultural heritage.
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki took to Twitter to congratulate the former Commissioner for Arts and Culture on the UNESCO award.
I congratulate @SirVictorUwaifo over his induction as one of @UNESCO‘s Human Living Treasure Legends. pic.twitter.com/nIhdBg721L
— Godwin Obaseki (GGO) (@GovernorObaseki) June 20, 2017