In an effort to promote indigenous music for global relevance, NAIJAZZ
Music on Tuesday night in Lagos organised a musical concert in honour
of the legendary highlife musician, Victor Olaiya.
Olaiya has spent more than 60 years on stage.
The Founder of NAIJAZZ Music, ace jazz promoter, Ayoola Sadare, said
at the event that Olaiya was a recurring decimal in the highlife music
scene.
Sadare said that the contributions of the musician could not be neglected.
He said: “He is no doubt a reference point for other Nigerian musicians.
“His music is evergreen, fresh and relevant.
“His music can be regarded as our own jazz standards, which when
properly achieved, would be a reference point for generations to
come.”
Sadare said that the honour was in pursuit of the organisation’s
vision of redefining and restoring Nigerian music to its glorious
position.
Sadare urged that the Stadium Hotel, Lagos State, where Olaiya had
performed many times, should be considered as a tourist monument.
He gave the assurance that the company would honour other musical
legends in the country.
When Olaiya mounted the stage to perform, his signature glittering
trumpet and sparkling white handkerchief were conspicuous.
He took full command of his band, which included his son, Bayode, and
effortlessly sang most of his songs one after the other.
The excited response from the audience was expected as they danced to
each tune, which took them down the memory lane.
Olaiya was not given any plaque but different jazz lovers gathered in
his honour to play highlife and jazz for him.
Olaiya said he was happy to be honoured and celebrated by lovers of his music.
He said: “My wish is to keep highlife going and for the younger
generation to embrace it.”
Olaiya, a native of Ijesa-Isu in Ekiti State, was born on December 13,
1930 in Calabar, Cross River State.
His songs have, over the years, endeared him to many Nigerians.
Some of his songs are: Omo pupa, It’s time for highlife and Baby jowo.
Olaiya’s genre of music was extremely famous from the 50s to early 80s.
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