The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Victor Olaiya

  • Tears as Victor Olaiya’s niece Moji dies two months after childbirth

    Tears as Victor Olaiya’s niece Moji dies two months after childbirth

    Yesterday was a hard day for most stakeholders in the Yoruba section of the Nigerian film industry. Moji Olaiya, a popular cross-over actress had passed in faraway Canada. The mood around film locations in Lagos, Ibadan and Abeokuta was pensive. The loud wailing by some of the sympathizers foiled filming sessions; this was just as many stormed the actress’ UNILAG Estate home, Magodo to confirm with her aged mother. It was tears all the way.

    Moji, 42, niece to veteran highlife maestro Dr Victor Olaiya died two months after she had her second baby in Ontario, Canada. Although the childbirth was without complications, as the baby arrived two months earlier to her EDD, reports say the premature delivery saw the actress in and out of hospital for routine medical attention for mother and child.

    Irony however played a fast one on the thespian whose health condition appeared to have improved, as seen in a lively Instagram picture with her child two days earlier. She was thanking God for the gift of life.

    “Al-amdulilahi to you Allah I give all the glory for all you have done,” she wrote, adding that “I will forever praise and worship you. It’s not by power but the Grace of Allah. Thank you for the gift of life. Thanks also to all my friends, family and my fans for your support and prayers.”

    Moji’s blood pressure suddenly rose in the early hours of Thursday. And on her way to a Canadian hospital from a friend’s house in Ontario, she gave up the ghost.

    Notable film marketer and CEO of Okiki Films and Music Production, Mr. Esan Sunday who confirmed her death to The Nation spoke amidst tears. She was a regular cast in most of his films.

    22 hours to her death, she was on Apple Store, promoting Okiki. “Hello fans, Okiki App is now on Apple App Store… Watch movies from me and other great actors for free,” she wrote.

    11 weeks ago, the actress had also wrote for herself, glowing birthday wishes, accompanied with series of pictures.  “Happy Birthday to me! I wish myself many more years of joy, love, laughter, health and prosperity. I wish myself strength and wisdom for days to come and success with everything I do today and tomorrow.”

    Sources say that the last two months have been rough for the actress whose relationship to the father of her last child seemed turbulent, as the guy, identified as Femi is purportedly married to another woman.

    The actress was first married to Bayo Okesola in 2007, a relationship that produced Adunola, her 20-year-old daughter and student of Babcock University. She converted to Islam in 2014 when she met her new man, a relationship she had kept away from colleagues and the media.

    Described as a very strong woman, Olaiya is said to hardly fall sick, safe for cold which she suffered occasionally. Some of her colleagues insinuated that the premature birth of her last child could have triggered a blood pressure which led to her suffering a cardiac arrest.

    While it is sketchy whether the actress will be buried in Canada according to Islamic rites, Adunola is insisting her mother’s corpse be brought to Nigeria.

    “She must be brought back,” Adun said. “I don’t care what anybody says, I just want my mother’s body.”

    In a telephone chat with The Nation, filmmaker Abbey Lanre recounting how he met the actress some decades ago.

    “I knew her when she was still a student at Yaba College of Technology, (Yabatech). Then, we were shooting a film and she came on set as a makeup artiste for Bukky Wright. In the process, there was an opening so I asked her to do a scene or two. That was how she came into the movie industry. Since then we have been very close,” he said.

    He further confirmed that Moji Olaiya died of cardiac arrest. “I can confirm that. It is so possible that her death was linked to the fact that she just gave birth. The baby she delivered was premature so they were both receiving treatment together. She had a heart attack and died within an hour,” Lanre said.

    Another filmmaker, Yemi Amodu, commented on the actress’ amiable nature. “She was a very lovely person; so humble, and she was so committed to her career, she did everything possible to realise her career. Moji Olaiya lived so freely, she was a free giver too. However, definitely everybody must have their bad side, but I assure you that the good things I can say about her is about 90 percent,” he said.

    Corroborating Lanre on the actress’ journey into the movie industry, Amodu said “I was her first director; she came in as a makeup artiste for the company that was handling makeup for Bukky Wright. She then played a very minor role and that was where I saw the talent in her, and I took her up. One day, she was given the role of a maid in a Bukky Wright’s movie; I advised her to take the role and you won’t believe that it was in that film that Wale Adenuga saw her and engaged her in a Super Story series.

    “I and Moji have worked together a lot, in fact, I have a film I am yet to release where she played the role of Akintola’s wife, it’s a story about Awolowo and Akintola,” he disclosed.

    Moji Olaiya who is popular for her roles in films such as ‘No Pains No Gain’, ‘Nkan Adun’ and ‘Agunbaniro’ was born on February 27, 1975.

  • Elders’ Forum to celebrate Victor Olaiya

    Elders’ Forum to celebrate Victor Olaiya

    The March edition of the popular Elders Forum, jointly organised by O’jez Entertainment Group and Evergreen Musical Company Limited (EMCL) will, on Sunday, March 26, 2017 celebrate veteran highlife musician Dr. Victor Abimbola Olaiya (OON).
    Known as the ‘Evil Genius of Highlife Music’, Olaiya has contributed to the growth and promotion of highlife music in Nigeria and across the world.
    The event will also honour Kaiyero Rotibi (aka Tyro), a virtuoso guitarist who is the oldest and longest serving member of the Dr. Victor Olaiya’s band, having been with him since 1957.
    Recall that the February edition of the Elders’ Forum treated guests to classic tunes from African and Nigerian artistes in the persons of Miatta Fahnbulleh of Liberia and Pa Jimi Solanke, who were actually the special guests at the event, as well as Shina Bakare and Beautiful Nubia among others.
    A major highlight of last month’s event was the presentation of the “Lifetime Achievement” awards to Fahnbulleh and Solanke.
    While Lagos State Commissioner of Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives, Barrister Rotimi Ogunleye, presented the award to Miatta Fanbulleh, the presentation to Pa Jimi Solanke was done by retired Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju, a former Deputy Director, Civil-Military Relations at the Defense Headquarters.

  • VICTOR OLAIYA: I’m still active in music

    VICTOR OLAIYA: I’m still active in music

    VETERAN highlife musician, Dr Victor Olaiya, has come out to debunk reports that he has quit music.

    In a statement released by the singer, Olaiya said that the report published in a national daily recently was false as he has not considered quitting music not to talk of going on retirement.

    “I want to state categorically that I still perform live on stage with my band, the International All Stars Orchestra, every Saturday at the Papingo Night Club of Stadium Hotel, Surulere, Lagos, while I also honour social engagements across the country,” Olaiya stated.

    Reacting to the report, the singer said that the story must have been a figment of the writer’s imagination because he did not grant any press interview where he mentioned anything about going on retirement, while no reporter ever spoke with his manager whose name was mentioned in the story over the issue.

    “I therefore wish to use this medium to thank all my fans and other lovers of highlife music across the globe, who have expressed concern through several telephone calls and personal visits since when the story broke, while I assure them of many more years of the best of highlife music,” he further stated.

  • Collabo: For the love of music or money?

    Collabo: For the love of music or money?

    2013 witnessed explosive collaborations between two generations of artistes. While some of their fans were caught unawares, some were simply pleasantly surprised. But they were a defining moment in the history of entertainment in Nigeria.

    Victor Olaiya and Tuface Idibia: Two veterans from the old and new generations took the centre stage to remix a classic song from the early ’60s.

    Coming together was iconic Dr. Victor Abimbola Olaiya and enerOgetic Tuface Idibia. They both performed a song from Dr. Olaiya’s early collection titled Mofe Muyan, now christened Baby Mi Da.

    Spellz produced the remixed song, while Kunle Afolayan, an actor and producer, directed the music video.

    Wizkid and Femi Kuti: One of the top 10 songs of the year, Jaiye Jaiye, was the result of the celebrated collaboration between Wizkid and Afro-beat legend, Femi Kuti.

    The popular tune, which was produced by Sarz, was directed by Sesan.

    The video, which was shot in Lagos at the Afrika Shrine, featured a very creative cameo from Femi Kuti.

  • Olaiya gives out daughter in marriage

    Olaiya gives out daughter in marriage

    HIGHLIFE musician, Dr. Victor Olaiya (OON), recently played the perfect host as is expected of him when he gave out his daughter’s hand in marriage. The traditional marriage rite, which was performed in Olaiya’s massive Surulere home, pulled friends, relatives, well wishers and some society bigwigs to the ceremony.

    In attendance were celebrities like Chief Fola Meadow and Moji Olaiya, Nollywood star actress. The young couple, Mr. and Mrs. J. Bola Oyekunle, had a blissful time, savouring the excitements that trailed their memorable traditional wedding.

    Dr. Olaiya recently came back into reckoning as a result of a duet with sensational singer, Tuface, in his nostalgic all-time classic, Baby Jowo.

  • Victor Olaiya

    CONSCIOUS of the need to celebrate legends while alive, NAIJAZZ music, led by ace Jazz promoter Ayoola Sadare is honoring the legendary Highlife Genius Dr. Victor Olaiya whose career has spanned about 60 active years.

    Sadare said to The Nation: “we don’t have to wait until these great people pass on, before we do the right thing; Dr. Victor Olaiya has come of age as a Nigerian music legend, now is the right time to celebrate him.”

    It would be recalled that Fatai Rolling Dollar died just before the date planned for his reception at the monthly Ojez celebrity awards. Sadare said that the decision to celebrate Olaiya is in

    pursuit of their vision of redefining and restoring Nigerian Music to its glorious position and promoting authentic, indigenous and identifiable Nigerian music for global relevance.

    “We at NAIJAZZ are honoured to be given opportunity to celebrate a living legend. Victor Olaiya has been a recurring decimal on the music scene for so long and he is no doubt a reference point for authentic Nigerian music whenever and wherever it is mentioned alongside other music legends like Fela Kuti, Ebenezer Obey, Rex Lawson, King Sunny Ade, Osita Osadebe, Dr. Victor Uwaifo to mention a few. His music is evergreen, fresh and relevant now as it was when initially produced. His music can be regarded as our own Jazz standard which when properly archived is a reference points for generations to come. Dr. Olaiya is a Classic Legacy musician. His current collaboration ‘Baby Mi Da’ remix with another current music icon Tuface Idibia is a case in point. We need to celebrate and honour this man while he is alive. This opportunity was facilitated by his son Bayode and is the beginning of a series of events NAIJAZZ has planned for other musical legends amongst us.”

    Supported by Metro 97.7FM, igrooveradio.com, Jazzhole and Inspiro productions, the NAIJAZZ music celebration is slated for 5pm tomorrow at Stadium Hotel, Surulere. Other NAIJAZZ artistes billed to perform include Bright Gain, Ebisan, Femi Leye and the eclipse band, Imole Afrika and Victor Ademofe.

  • Victor Olaiya: Enjoying yesterday today

    Victor Olaiya: Enjoying yesterday today

    “If music be the food of love, play on, Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.” William Shakespare, Tweilfth Night

    A part from the avalanche of assorted cars and SUVs parked outside the Lagos City Hall last Sunday, nothing gave an inkling that something interesting was on inside its banquet hall where the best of highlife entertainment was being played. Therein, musical history resurrected. On that day, another chapter in the musical olden times of this country was written. The event was the 60 years stage celebration of Dr. Victor Abimbola Olaiya (OON) and his trumpet.

    My attraction to the event was not only the royal touch given to the event by the Olowo Eko himself, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu, Oba of Lagos or the presence of other interesting dignitaries. My pull for that event was the enervating enactment of musical tunes of yore from the motley of horse’s mouths. Distinguished guests in the hall yelled for more and that quickly brought to my mind Robert Nesta Marley’s (aka Bob Marley) saying:“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” The highly thrilled audience of mostly eminent Nigerians received doses of musical punches from highlife, Afro beat and juju musicians of yore without feeling any pain.

    Music is indeed the tonic needed to sustain life. It has no boundary. Music gives inspiration to the creative minds. Respected intellectuals and accomplished professionals have indeed confessed to the lifting spirit of music. Even the ordinary man on the streets from among whom most musical genius emanated may have no money to feed but would definitely create the time to listen to music – good and soul-lifting ones at that.

    When one is lonely and deserted, the only assured companion is music, blaring from a radio or stereo. Music is the only escape route from the miseries of life. When it looks like life is about to hit a screeching halt, music then becomes the wine that fills the cup of silence. Music heals a broken heart; it proves hope for the rejected and cures the loss, pain and misery of the lonely. Could it be said that without music, then life would be a mistake? No wonder Plato, the great philosopher, observed that ‘Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.’

    When good music blares, even the birds stop to listen. That is the power of music and that was what transpired on the day Lagos stood still to celebrate Victor Olaiya. It was an evening of fun that Yemi Sodimu spiced with his dexterity at compeering. Femi Kuti set the ball of musical action rolling and proved within his allotted time to be a worthy ambassador of the Afro beat music pioneered by Fela, his late father. Dele Ojo, highlife musician of yore mounted the stage and electrified the audience with famous old tracks such as Ilu oyinbo dara, kawe e; Tere na Tere na tere. When it came to the turn of Orlando Julius with her two female dancers, younger elements in the hall realised why highlife was the preference of music lovers in the 1950s, 60s, 70s down to mid 80s. He bolstered the audience with tracks such as eniyan loko esin loro, esin onika ninu rara.

    The King of Juju and music in general, Sunday Adegeye (KSA) came on stage twice. The first time, he treated the audience to his famous track, samba e e e samba and accompanied this with his deft musical steps to the admiration of the audience in the hall. KSA’s second coming on the stage was on the prompting of Pa Fatai Rolling Dollars during his time on stage. Baba Rolling Dollar sang his widely loved track of; won kere si number wa, awon omode wonyi kere si number wa. KSA and Baba Rolling Dollars treated us to scintillating duet that might be difficult to re-enact in a long time. Shina Bakare, son of late highlife legend, Ayinde Bakare, reproduced his father’s act with the track; won ntenu bole kiri, won npegan kiri. Femi Oso, the CEO of Evergreen Musical Company Limited and organiser of the event gave out his turn to Tunde Osofisan who performed creditably with the track; olowogbayawo ole that sent the audience agog and asking for more. The man of the day, Victor Olaiya took the stage at the end of it all and rendered some of the tracks that made him what he is, including ilule o, kosowolode that he first sang in 1962.

    On that day, the powerful, especially wives of governors, broke protocol as they wriggled their bodies, briefly while standing and largely on their seats, to old highlife tunes of the greats; the intellectuals got magnetised by the alluring beats coming out of that modern instruments. The activists nodded to the acrobatic rhythms of highlife wonders on the microphone on the stage on that day. Mrs Abimbola Fashola, wife of Governor Babatunde Fashola surely from her countenance on that day loves highlife music. EreluBisi Fayemi would definitely have won a dancing award with the way she danced especially to the rhythm of Orlando Julius’ music.

    Former governor of Ogun state Akinrogun Segun Osoba and wife, Derinsola were marvellous on the dance floor. Professor Adebayo Williams must have derived lots of inspiration from highlife music from his nod of approval to most of the acts’ performances. Olatunji Abdul-Lateef Bello, the knowledgeable helmsman of Lagos Environmental affairs momentarily forgot about environmental matters as he listened with rapt attention to assorted highlife music. The newest Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana was truly at home with the highlife tunes churned out on that day. There is no doubt that the horde of guests in that hall including actors and actresses really enjoyed themselves. Yours sincerely will henceforth be listening to highlife music, if not at home because of time, but in the car while moving around in Lagos or travelling.

    The day Victor Olaiya was celebrated would be remembered for two things: The first being that the man was shown love and appreciation during his life time and secondly; the need for society to from time to time celebrate those who toiled to bring joy and happiness to millions of homes through music. Once again, that day was one in which all of us present enjoyed yesterday today.