A popular Nigerian saxophonist Orlando Julius Ekemode has died at the age of 79.
The news of his demise was broken when when Bimbo Esho who is the Managing Director of Evergreen Music said the Afro legend’s wife called to inform him that the world renowned artiste died in the early hours of today.
Julius was born In Ijebu Ijesha.
His career reportedly took a new turn after he got an invitation from one of the times most celebrated acts Eddy Okonta to Join him as a band boy.
Julius who was a Music teacher was said to have taught her son on the use of instruments.
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.
The cause of death is unknown as at the time of writing. He was aged 79.