Veteran highlife singer, Julius Aremu Olusanya Ekemode known professionally as Orlando, has been reported dead.
Orlando was a Nigerian saxophonist, singer, bandleader and songwriter.
The death of the 79-year-old highlife singer was confirmed by Bimbo Esho, of the Evergreen Music Company Limited.
His wife, Lady Latoya has also confirmed the incident.
Orlando Julius, a native of Ijebu Ijesha, was one of Nigeria’s fathers of Afro/Highlife music and a fine saxophonist, who was introduced to music at a tender age by his mother.
In her eulogy, while announcing Orlando Julius’ death, Esho wrote: “Bimbo Daddy has passed on…
“This was the message I stumbled on waking up at exactly 3 am to peruse my WhatsApp page. It was a 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 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.”
Born in 1943, the afrobeat star has released hit singles like ololufe, Disco High-life, Ashiko, and Jagua Nana.
He also acted in the movie ‘Saworoide’, a 1999 political drama film.