The acclaimed ‘Evil Genius of Highlife Music’, Dr. Victor Abimbola Olaiya (OON) will be honoured on Sunday, 26 March at this month’s edition of the Elders Forum, jointly organized by O’jez Entertainment Group and Evergreen Musical Company Limited (EMCL).
The event, holding on Sunday, 26 March at the hangout at National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, according to statement from the organisers, will be celebrating the achievements of Olaiya in recognition of his immeasurable contributions to the growth, development and promotion of highlife music in Nigeria and across the world.
Also in line with its objective to recognise and honour individuals and organisations that have also lent their support to the sustenance of the genre of music, the organisers have also identified a virtuoso guitarist, in the person of Kaiyero Rotibi (aka Tyro) and his is billed to be honoured alongside Olaiya.
Tyro is acclaimed to be the oldest and longest serving member of the Dr. Victor Olaiya Band, having being with him since 1957.
The February edition of the Elders’ Forum treated its guests to a rich bouquet of soulful and nostalgic music 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, Beautiful Nubia among others.
A major highlight of last month’s event was the presentation of the “Lifetime Achievement” awards to the two special guests.
The award presentation to Miatta Fanbulleh was done by the Lagos State Commissioner of Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives, Barrister Rotimi Ogunleye while the presentation to Pa Jimi Solanke was by retired Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju, a former Deputy Director, Civil-Military Relations at the Defense Headquarters.
The organisers have adequately strategised to make this month’s edition a memorable one as they have promised that all guests in attendance will be treated to richer and exciting heritage content as they take a voyage down memory lane.