Orlando Julius Dies at 79

Femi Ashekun/

One of Nigeria’s most successful highlife musicians, Orlando Julius Ekemode, has died.

He was aged 79.

His death in the early hours of today was confirmed by the Managing Director of Evergreen Music, Bimbo Esho.

Esho wrote on Facebook that the wife of the deceased had informed her about his passing around 3am.

Julius, a native of Ijebu-Ijesha in Osun State, was a saxophonist, singer and band leader.

His music 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 James Brown.

He released his first hit ‘Jagua Nana’ in 1965 and went on to tour West Africa. He later formed the Ashiko movement and taught people his style of music.

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 cause of death is not yet known.

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