Nigerian music legend and highlife king, Victor Olaiya, is dead. The octogenarian was said to have passed on at about noon on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, at the age of 89.
Bimbo Esho the Managing Director of the Evergreen Music Company Limited, confirmed the death of Victor Olaiya.
She released a statement that read in part, “The entire music world wish to announce the death of a legend of highlife music– one of the last man standing, the last of the originals, Dr Victor Olaiya, OON.
“This untimely incident happened at LUTH at exactly 12noon on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
“We pray that the doyen of highlife music finds repose with the creator while wishing the family and entire music community the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.”
Famous for hit songs and albums such as ‘Baby Jowo’, ‘Feso J’aiye’, ‘Ilu Le O’ and ‘Taxi Driver’, the singer and trumpeter was born on December 31, 1930, in Calabar, Cross River. However, his parents were from Ijesha-Iju in Ekiti State.
Nigerians since the news of his death broke, have taken to the social media to mourn his death, and one of those that who have taken to his social media to pay tribute is Mr Innocent Idibia.
Mr Idibia who had the rare opportunity to collaborate with the late Victor Olaiya, took to his Instagram page to share this glowing tribute:
“Devastated by the news of your passing. Dr. Victor Olaiya – maestro, mentor, legend. Thanks for the beautiful music. Thanks for the inspiration. Blessed for the honour of sharing a mic and stage with you. Rest in peace baba” he said.