The ‘A Dara, A Dara’ singer died hours ago at the age of 79.
His passing was relayed by his widow, Latoya, through Evergreen Music boss, Bimbo Esho.
Esho noted in an early Friday Facebook post thus:
"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."
Although the ‘Jagua Nana’ singer had been slowed down by age some years before his death, his rich bank of songs continued to define his essence as a great multi-talented musician.
His big role in the industry got highlighted last year when many stakeholders gathered in Ilesa, Osun state, to celebrate his 60 years on stage.
Orlando Julius related well with musicians of different countries and ages, as he was able to court even younger artistes that include Beautiful Nubia and Edaoto, at whose shows he occasionally performed.
The man, Orlando Julius
Julius was born in 1943 in Ikole, Nigeria, to a merchant family during British colonialism. His first musical teacher was his mother who would sing and dance while he played drums. He went to St. Peter’s Anglican School in Ikole and played in the school band.
In 1957, after dropping out of school and the death of his father, he left for Ibadan to pursue a career in music. He worked at a bakery while playing the drums or flute with juju and konkoma bands.
There was no music school in the area at the time, so the premier, Obafemi Awolowo, created one in his political party’s secretariat.
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