Alexandre, the first son of highlife maestro, Sir Victor Uwaifo, tells EMMANUEL OBE about his father
Tell us about yourself and what you do.
My name is Alexandre Uwaifo, a graduate of the University of Benin, a sculptor, music producer/sound engineer, musician and designer. I’m the president/chief executive officer of a music company. I am the first of three children. I love arts, dancing and fashion. I spend most of my time in the studio. When I am not doing that, I watch movies. I’m an ambivert. While I cherish my social interactions, I also love to spend time alone.
What memories of your growing up can you recall?
Growing up was fun for me even though I was a quiet kid. I was adventurous and somewhat mischievous too (laughs). I also had a lot of friends growing up with me. But I spent most of my childhood drawing and riding bicycles. I loved to create things. I also remember my mom taking us out especially during festive periods. I played lots of video games too. I guess I grew up like every other normal child in my time.
How was it like growing up with your father?
It was normal for me. He raised us to be responsible and hardworking.
Did your father influence your choice of career ?
He definitely had an influence on my choice of career. But he did not force me to make decisions. He let me take decisions on what to study in the university and what career to pursue in life. Growing up with my dad made me appreciate the arts. I used to draw a lot as a kid. When I fnished primary school, I started going to the gallery with my dad and that’s where I took interest in sculpting. Then I got into secondary school (Kings College, Lagos) where I further developed the interest. It was when I was in senior secondary one, that I first had interest in music. But it was not until I graduated that I went into music full time. When I was younger, my dad used to keep a lot of my sketches for me. That helped me improve on my drawings because when I went through drawings, I got motivated to do it better.
Are your other siblings also involved in the arts?
Yes, almost everyone in the family is in the arts. We all learnt how to play an instrument or two, it was somewhat compulsory for us. My father made it a point of duty for us to play one instrument or the other. I started taking piano lessons from the age of seven. My little brother who just clocked 18 started learning how to play the guitar at the age of one. Today, he directs and edits videos. He has also grown to become a great dancer.
What kind of father is he?
He was strict and stern with his decisions. He never hesitated to discipline us when we misbehaved. He was so overwhelming in our lives that even when he wasn’t around, we still recognised his authority as the head of the house. That exercise of authority is what helped in shaping us into who we are today – responsible and principled. Nevertheless, we also used to have fun together. There were times that he would take us out on a treat, family dinner, or get-together. We also enjoyed sitting together and chatting.
Did he dote on any of his children?
He would never spoil his kids. How could he do it? (Laughs out loud). Whatever gifts we got from him, we got them because we worked hard for it and deserved it.
How did he enforce discipline, did he use the cane?
As kids, when our parents scolded us for doing wrong, we usually felt they were too hard on us. But it is when we grew older that we realise why they had to get hard on us. I do not think he was too hard. To answer your question, yes, he used the cane sometimes to correct us.
Give one or two instances when your father had to discipline you?
There were quite a number of cases. But I cannot clearly recall the circumstances that necessitated them. But it happened when I disobeyed his instructions.
Does he find time for his family?
Yes, he does. He doesn’t like staying away from the house for too long. Even when he travels on official business or shows, as soon as he’s done with the business, the next place he visits is the home. But because of his usually busy schedule, we go out as a family once in a while.
How does he relax when he’s at home?
When he wants to relax, he goes into his room and relaxes by reading, watching TV or sleeping.
What values have you imbibed from him?
We got the virtues of honesty and hard work from him. He is also a go-getter. There is nothing like, ‘impossible’ for him. He believes in the philosophy of, ‘If you can think it, then you can do it.’
Does his name open doors for you?
Sure! His name has been opening doors for me. Whenever I introduce myself, people give me audience because of the name, Uwaifo.
What challenges do you face because of your father?
The reception I get because of him is awesome. But still I have to prove myself that I am worth listening to. There is also the need for me to prove that I am not just dropping my father’s name. I have to prove the values that he is known for and that could really be challenging.
How do you feel being the son of a famous person?
I feel blessed and lucky. It is not easy to have a famous father (laughs).
What values do your father hold dear?
That would be hard work. The man never rests. Anything he plans to do, he does not stop until he has achieved it. He also does not like to waste time when there is work to do. He attacks the job and accomplishes it within the programmed time. He’s a very vibrant person. He still does exercises and visits the gym every day to stay sharp and fit.
How does he handle arguments with his wife?
I hardly know when they have misunderstandings. But whenever they do, they handle it privately. We never get to know.
What impression of him do you have having listened to his music and seen his artworks?
I see him as someone who is exceptionally creative. He is a custodian of the Benin culture. He portrays these attributes through his music and artworks.
Which of his songs are your favourites?
I particularly do not have a favourite among his songs. But I love his music and most of his songs because I can relate to them. I most especially enjoy the rhythm. The sound of his music is very unique, and you cannot find it in any other person’s music.
He sang a song urging people not to be afraid of ‘Mammy Water.’ Did he tell you about his encounter with the water goddess?
I was not born when he had an encounter with mammy water. But you can ask him. He will tell you the story better.
Which of his works is his favourite?
I do not think he has a favourite.
Between music and sculpting, which does he enjoy more?
I think it is music. He relishes it much. He just cannot do without it.
What is his religious orientation?
He is a Christian and a Catholic.
Apart from music and the arts what is his other major preoccupation?
Everything he’s into is connected to music and the arts.
He was once in politics. Why did he quit?
He was the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Edo State for four years and his tenure ended. It was time for him to move on to achieve greater things. I guess he missed his first passion- music.
Does he have any regrets?
To the best of my knowledge, I don’t think he regrets anything in life. My dad has achieved everything he wanted to. He’s won loads of awards. He has had appointments. He is still having a great career in music and he is enjoying a great family.
Who are your father’s friends?
His close friends remain his childhood friends, Sir David Osunde, Jerome Elaiho, Dr. Osuide and Dr. Charles Osula. Those are the ones I can remember. But he has many others.
What is his favourite meal?
He really does not have a favourite meal. He enjoys a well-prepared meal.
Does he have any special mode of dressing?
No, he doesn’t. As long as he is comfortable in the clothes and they look mature on him, he is okay.
What is his schedule like?
He is very busy. He is always working.
How close are you to him?
I am as close to him as a son should be to his father. We are working on his new album together. I am producing quite a number of tracks on the album. We have been spending a lot of time together and travelling together.
How sociable is he?
He doesn’t go out that much. He is always busy with one thing or the other. He has a weird sense of humour when he wants to be funny.
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