Born on December 31, 1931, in Calabar, Cross Rivers State by Ekiti parents from Ijesha Isu. His father was a church organist while his mother a folk singer. The musical traits of both parents propelled Olaiya into music quite early. Olaiya’s musical career started 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 trumpet. Olaiya played for Bobby Benson, Samuel Akpabot. He formed the Cool Cats Orchestra with ABC Cole (Late) in 1954. But later in 1956, he formed his own band ” Victor Olaiya and The All Stars Orchestra”. Olaiya was dubbed the “Evil Genius” during the Havannah Musical Festival, University of Ibadan, following an outstanding performance in which he captivated his audience for several hours. In acknowledgment of his talents, he was awarded an honorary PhD in Czechoslovakia during the first International Jazz Festival in Prague. He performed at the first Miss Nigeria pageant, as well as during the country’s independence festivities on October 1, 1960, and again in 1963, when Nigeria became a republic. Some of his timeless songs include “lye Jemila,” “Trumpet Highlife,” and “Ilu le,” which was written during a period when government austerity was wreaking havoc on the populace.

Dr. Victor Olaiya’s 60th year on stage was commemorated in 2012 by the Evergreen Musical Co. Ltd.
With all the pomp and circumstance in the Lagos City Hall, with Excellencies, Royal Fathers. Government officials were there, as were members of society from all walks of life. His Stadium Hotel Complex is now a physical construction that serves as a symbol of his essential contribution to highlife music. His songs continue to appeal to the elderly while cautioning the youth about the dangers of life’s vices.