It has been a torrential downpour of tributes for Victor Olaiya, a veteran Nigerian highlife musician, who passed away yesterday at the age of 89.
In a statement, Bimbo Esho, the managing director of Evergreen Music Company, disclosed that the trumpeter died while on admission at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
“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 original Dr Victor Abimbola Olaiya OON,” Esho said.
“This untimely incident happened at Luth hospital, Lagos State, at exactly 12noon.”The statement, however, did not disclose the cause of his death.
Fans globally and music lovers have since taken to social media platforms, to pay their last respect to the legendary musician.
Two Baba Idiba, who did some collaborative stage performances with the legend a few years ago said; “Devastated by the news of the passing of 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,”.
“Mehn! This closes a major era. Dr. Victor Olaiya was one of the true greats. A legend has just passed on. May his soul rest in peace,” J. J. Omojuwa wrote.
Debbie, another popular influencer wrote, “Victor Olaiya..the highlife maestro..has died at the age of 89. He was one of the people that shaped the social life of Lagos. I wish Nollywood would do a movie about how the music industry was back in the day..using his life as a focal point”.
