“It wasn’t easy, but one has to involve the grace of God.” VictorOlaiya Highlife Music
, which have already immortalised him. Seven years ago, the veteran musician celebrated his 60 years on stage and The Guardian, as usual, had a session during which Olaiya spoke about his life, music, and exploits. The publication is hereby reproduced as a tribute to celebrate his exit.
Finally, it was my turn to meet Dr. Olaiya, who has succeeded in earning both fame and fortune from playing music. All through our conversation, he was relaxed and sounded so fulfilled. He continued: “One of my brothers, Col. Olaiya said he’s going to be a co-celebrant with me; he’s a retired Colonel in the army. He was in my band during the Cool Cats days when the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti was in my band; both of them were learning to play in my second band. Later, both of them went to England, but he refused to do music. He’s going to be around that day,” he assured.
For his secondary education, young Victor moved to Lagos, where he started playing with street bands for fun. At that time, making money from music was never on his agenda. Not sure of the Victor Olaiya that was reported in the papers, he called for an emergency meeting of the whole family members. “The money I was getting from playing music was for me and my cousin to eat bean and bread in the morning; so, he had no option than to cooperate and open the door for me, else I would be flogged,” he said still reeling with laughter. “My elder brother complained that anybody in music must be a dropout, a vagabond and never do well. So, this was their opinion about musicians and they never wanted any member of the family to play music.
In the spirit of celebration, the then Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa advised Johnson to direct all other musicians to form a National Band and support Olaiya at the Ball. After rubbing shoulders with the high and mighty at the Independence State Ball, Victor Olaiya returned home a star. Before coming to limelight, Olaiya played in many bands, including the ones with the name and those with no name.
Olaiya had played in many clubs where he was chased out eventually. This might have influenced his decision to build the Stadium Hotel, with an expansive space specifically designed for live gigs.
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