Veteran highlife musician, Orlando Julius Ekemode is dead. This was disclosed by Bimbo Esho the Managing Director of Evergreen Music. According to Bimbo who disclosed that the late singers wife, Latoya Ekemode reached out to her about his death at the early hours of Friday, April 15. Which was also confirmed by Lady Latoya herself.
Bimbo Esho wrote on her social media page, “Bimbo Daddy has passed On…
“This was the message I stumbled on waking up at exactly 3am to peruse my WhatsApp page.. It was a message sent in to me by Orlando Julius beautiful and supportive wife Lady Latoya. 
“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.
“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.”
Cause of death is unknown at the time of publishing. He was 79-year-old.
The late veteran afro/highlife musician started his music career in the 60s when he joined the band of Eddie Okonta. Before then, he had been tutored by Highlife musician Jazz Romero.
Orlando Julius performed in many gigs and opened for the American trumpeter and vocalist Louis Armstrong as a member of Okonta band. 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 James Brown.
His first hit ‘Jagua Nana’ was released in 1965, which he went touring the whole of West Africa. He later formed the Ashiko movement and taught people his style of music although he did not stay in this position for long.
After spending some time in the United States, he returned to Nigeria in 1984. He quickly began recording tracks for the album Dance Afro-Beat, leading him to put together the 18-person Nigerian All Stars band.
The late Orlando Julius Ekemode is survived by a wife, children and grandchildren. May his soul rest in peace.
