As soon as the news of highlife legend Victor Olaiya‘s death emerged, so did troves of tribute to the Doyen of highlife whose music has continued to attract both old and young artistes. Nigeria’s celebrated Afro pop artiste, Innocent Idibia a.k.a 2Baba revealed that the news of the highlife singer’s death left him devastated and wrote a moving tribute.
Recall that both singers worked together by making a classic remix to the track “Baby Jowo” so they must have shared a special bond.
Idibia went on to thank the singer for creating beautiful music and for being a source of inspiration to him. He added that he feels honoured to have shared a stage and mic with him.
He wrote via Instagram: “Devastated by the news of your passing. Dr. Victor Olaiya – maestro, mentor, legend. Thanks for the beautiful music. Thanks for the inspiration. Blessed for the honour of sharing a mic and stage with you. Rest in peace baba.”
Victor Olaiya’s Comment on Tuface
In an interview with Vangaurd in 2014, Victor Olaiya described Tuface now 2Baba as a gifted singer with a bunch of talents, when asked about their collaboration. He said at the time:
“Well it was not my original idea. It was an idea suggested by Premiere recording company. We were trying to do something of that nature in the highlife all stars club wish we formed years ago. While we were contemplating, the premiere musical company came up with the idea, and we gave it a trial.
“Tuface is such a gifted young boy that I like. He respects people especially the elderly very highly. He is gifted musically. During the trial, I discovered a number of talents which this guy has including respectability for elder musicians. He is a wonderful boy. As providence will have it, we gave it a trial and it came out successful. The song has become the talk of the town since then.”