Popular Nigerian saxophonist and highlife musician, Orlando Julius has died at the age of 79.
His wife, Latoya Ekemode, confirmed his death to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.
She said that Orlando Julius passed out in his sleep on Thursday night.
Ekemode stated;
Yes, my husband passed on late last night, there was no indication that death was coming, he was not ill, he only slept and died in his sleep.
NAN reports that Orlando Julius, native of Ijebu Ijesha, was a saxophonist, singer, band leader, and songwriter closely associated with afrobeat music.
Some of his musical albums were: Disco Hi-Life, Ololufe, Love, Peace and Happiness; Dance Afrobeat and more.
Julius evinced his musical talents at a young age, having been taught by his mother who was a music teacher.
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. Julius 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.
May his soul rest in peace.
