April 15, (THEWILL) – Renowned saxophonist and highlife legend, Orlando Julius, is dead. He was aged 79.
Bimbo Esho, the managing director of Evergreen Music company, broke the news. She stated that the singer died in the early hours of Friday.
In a Facebook post, she added that she got the news from Lady Latoya, the musician’s wife.
“Bimbo, Daddy has passed on.” This was the message I stumbled on waking up at exactly 3am to peruse my Whatsapp page. It was the message sent 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 79 years.
“We shall miss one of Nigeria’s father of Afro/highlife music, a gentleman and 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.”
Orlando Julius was born in 1943 in Ikole, Ekiti State. He took interest in music as a child and dazzled many with his potential as a member of his school band.
He was said to have dropped out of school in Ekiti and went to Ibadan in Oyo State to pursue his music career.
He was one of the pioneers of Afrobeats and released several hit song during his illustrious career including Aa Dara.
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