HIGHLIFE

DR. VICTOR OLAIYA

Styled ‘The Evil Genius of Highlife ‘Dr. Victor Olaiya, real name Victor Owolabi Abimbola Olaiya was born on the 31st of December, 1932 in Calabar, Cross River State.

His father Olaiya who originated from Lagos was a church organist while his folk-singer mother, Batsheba Ayodele hailed from the ancient City of Oyo.

The musical traits of both parents propelled Olaiya into music quite early. A past pupil of RCM Primary School, Owerri, Olaiya began his musical career in 1946 by blowing the French horn for the school band at the African College, Onitsha, Anambra State. He soon advanced to the B-flat clarinet before eventually graduating to a trumpeter.

After college, Olaiya played for several street brass bands including B. Effiong’s Street Band in Lagos.

And at different times he was a trumpeter for Bobby Bensons Jam Session, Sam Akpabot’s All Stars Band, Lagos City Council clerk, Olaiya formed the cool Cats Orchestra with ABC Cole (late) in 1954. But later, in 1959, he formed his own band, the All Star Orchestra.

Noted for his rough, hoarse voice and dexterity on the trumpet reminiscent of the jazz legend, Louis Armstrong’ Olaiya who often hold a white handkerchief while blowing the trumpet waxed a number of highlife hits in the 60s. Among his top hits were Omopupa, Jemila, Ilu le and Lafiaji.


A gifted highlife singer,in 1960, Olaiya performed at the Nigerian independence celebration. He was also a guest artiste with the United Nations troops in Congo in the 60s.

Olaiya represented the country at the world Jazz Festival in Prague, Czechoslovakia where he bagged an honorary doctoral degree in music in 1963. A holder of diploma in Accountancy, Olaiya is presently a full time businessman.