By Legendary saxophonist and singer, Dr. Orlando Julius Ekemode has passed away at the age of 79.
The septuagenarian and one of the fathers of Highlife music in Nigeria breathed his last in the early hours of Friday.
Bimbo Esho, the Managing Director of Evergreen Musical Company, made this known in a Facebook post, saying the veteran singer’s wife, Lady Latoya confirmed his passing.
The post reads, “Bimbo Daddy is Dead.
“This was the message I stumbled on waking up at exactly 3am to peruse my watsapp page.. It was a message sent in to me by Orlando Julius beautiful and supportive wife Lady Latoya.
“Orlando Julius succumbed to the cold hands of death and breathed his last few hours ago.
“We shall miss one of Nigeria’s fathers of Highlife Music.
“May daddy Orlando Julius soul journey well . To the entire Ekemode family may God give you the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.”
Orlando Julius, who discovered his love for music at a young age, was in the late Eddie Okonta’s band before he was able to form his own band performing regularly at the NBC Ibadan, now NTA. He would go on to become a regular touring musician across Europe and American continents.
Last May, the music legend celebrated his 60 years on stage in his hometown in Ilesha, Osun State amid pomp and pageantary.
