Dr. Victor Abimbola Olaiya, often acclaimed as the "Evil Genius of Highlife," was a legendary Nigerian trumpeter, bandleader, vocalist, and composer who left an indelible mark on the African music scene. Born on December 31, 1930, in Calabar, Nigeria, Olaiya's music career reached its zenith in the 1950s and 1960s when he became one of the defining figures of highlife music—a genre that merged traditional Nigerian music with Western jazz and swing influences.

Olaiya's impact on highlife and Nigerian music as a whole is evident through his extensive discography, which highlights his ability to weave intricate rhythms with his trumpet and compelling vocals. Albums like "In The Sixties" and "3 Decades of Highlife" showcase the breadth of his work and the evolution of his sound over time. With "Dr Victor Olaiya," listeners can delve into the essence of his musical genius, while releases such as "Papingo Davalaya" and "Highlife Re-Incarnation" celebrate the infectious rhythms and melodies that have endeared him to generations of music lovers. Notably, Olaiya was not just a highlife maestro; he was also a crossover pioneer, evidenced in works like "The Legendary" and "51 Lex Presents Trumpet Highlife," which exhibited his versatility and ability to engage audiences from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Victor Olaiya passed away on February 12, 2020, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence artists and resonate with fans around the world.