Dr. Victor Olaiya - Ba Mi Jo / Labalaba (Audio)

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. Effiongs Street Band in Lagos. And at different times he was a trumpeter for Bobby Bensons Jam Session, Sam Akpabots 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.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• victor
• olaiya
• labalaba
• highlife
• nigeria
• naija
• yoruba
• bamijo

[dmayor4u]

Planetolusola, how are you Sir. I really apprciate your musical uploads. I am just 29years old and i am inlove with this highlife tunes. I have just created a group called Nigerian Highlife Music on facebook and i will be using your uploads. Thank you Sir. These songs are so melodious and classical.

[planetolusola]

Hello dmayor4u

Please feel free to use any of my uploads for your facebook site. I'm so happy to hear a 29 year old like you falling in love with the music of our fathers and forefathers. Thanks for your help in preserving our antiquity.

Olusola.

[Jeleosimi]

Thanks Planet,Job well done..Thanks again for posting..Long Live Highlife music !!!!

[planetolusola]

My pleasure Jeleosimi.

[bellemskey]

Hey Planet.... LabaLaba is one of my best tracks from all his song... and this is the original LabaLaba... Listen to the bazz line... Kai, sweet sweet highlife....Thanks indeed....

[planetolusola]

You're welcome bellemskey.  I uploaded 'labalaba' in response to your request. "labalaba to fi ra re we'ye, we le sise eye" - Classic Olaiya my friend.

[9330pablo]

I'm also very happy for the upload. Olaiya is greatest highlife maestro that ever lived. thaaaaaaaaaaanks.

[rotimiadejola]

These are musics that wil remain evergreen.

[planetolusola]

@mreet3 Yes. I have Victor Olaiya's Omo Pupa posted on my channel.

[omoyasere]

@mreet3 lol. Good memory there that's OMO PUPA

/watch?v=5bANqI17FqM

[rastabus]

love it

[dmayor4u]

Thank you very much Sir for the kind gesture. Yes, people of my age seldom listen or even know about Nigerian Highlife Music. I started the group on facebook to enlighten Nigerian youths around the world of Nigerian Highlife Music. Thank you again and please have a good weekend ahead. You are so much welcome on the facebook group Sir.