Sir Victor Uwaifor Accuses Simi and Jaywon of Pirating His Song, Joromi

Sir Victor Uwaifor Accuses Simi and Jaywon of Pirating His Song, Joromi

Sir Victor Uwaifo has accused younger singers, Simi and Jaywon, of pirating his hit single, Joromi.

In a new chat with Vanguard, the former Edo State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, called out the singers for not seeking his permission before releasing their songs of same title.

“They didn’t contact me before doing a remix of Joromi; but I’m like a father to them so I can’t begin to drag them to court, so let them make a living out of it, but at the same time it’s piracy,” said the legend to the press.

He continued, noting that he has listened to the songs “on different occasions”, and while he doesn’t discourage younger stars from remixing his song, he thinks the noble thing to do would be to get appropriate permission from him.

“I’ve heard it too many times on different occasions; it shows the quality of the music that has come a long way. As far as I’m concerned I’ve lived five lives (from one generation to the other), so if they want to appreciate and still appreciate me, it shows the quality of the music,” he said, adding, “It’s one thing to be an artiste and it’s another thing to stay on the scene for a long time; so I will not discourage artistes trying to remix or do another rendition of Joromi, but rather encourage them to give credit to the composer if they do.”

It is worthy to note that while the lyrical content of Simi’s version is different from the legend’s, discerning fans are quick to note that similarity in the instrumentals. However, Jaywon’s version featuring Twista Da Fireman, titled Jomi Joromi, is a clear divergent.

Still, Sir Victor Uwaifo notes that piracy is piracy; his song has long become a household name, a trademark.

Meanwhile, he encourages the younger stars to learn from the older generation, that it is only through such apprenticeship they would learn to make ageless songs.

He said:

“The young ones of today have depended so much on computer which I think is not the best because creativity must have given birth to technology, while technology on the other hand is now usurping creativity for further advancements of technology and that is wrong. It is the creative mind that created technology; the creative mind has spirit, life, soul and expression but the computer does not. It has no one on one communication, but if you play life music you can embellish with computer but don’t use computer as the major instrument as if it is the creative artiste itself.

The young ones should learn from the masters. They should undergo apprenticeship; they should learn the rudiments of music. Music is not a free for all business; they should learn how to play music. I didn’t fall from the blues, I underwent apprenticeship with a few bands and well known musicians before I set up my own band, that is why I’m still relevant today.”

Neither Simi nor Jaywon had reacted as at press time.