Legendary highlife artiste, Orlando Julius Ekemode, has been reported dead after having a illustrious and impactful career in the Nigerian Music Industry.
His death was confirmed earlier today, that is Friday, April 15, 2022 and the veteran passed at the age of 79.
A message from Bimbo Esho of the Evergreen Music Company Limited, also acknowledged the passing of the legendary musician.
A write-up that seemed to be a eulogy from the Evergreen Music Company Individual, reads: “Bimbo Daddy has passed On…This was the message I stumbled on waking up at exactly 3:00am to peruse my WhatsApp page.. It was a message sent in to me by Orlando Julius beautiful and supportive wife Lady Latoya.”
It was further gathered that Orlando Julius a native of Ijebu Ijesha, succumbed to the cold hands of death and breathed his last few hours ago at the age of 79.
The message continued: “We shall miss one of Nigeria’s fathers of Afro/Highlife Music, a gentleman and a fine Saxophonist. May daddy Orlando Julius soul journey well. To the entire Ekemode family may God give you the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.”
Brief Note About Legendary Highlife Artiste
It would be noted that Julius was a saxophonist, singer and bandleader. A native of Ijebu Ijesha, his musical career took flight in the 60s when Eddie Okonta invited him to join his band. Before then, he had been tutored by Highlife musician Jazz Romero.
With Okonta’s band, Julius performed in many gigs and opened for the American trumpeter and vocalist Louis Armstrong. In subsequent years, he would play with other bands, including Hugh Masakela and opened for other high profile international acts. Julius also opened for the iconic American musician JamesBrown.
