Orlando Julius biography: age, songs, stature, spouse, everything you need to discover.
Orlando Julius Olusanya Ekemode, more commonly referred to as Orlando Julius, is a Nigerian saxophonist, vocalist, bandleader, and songwriter associated with afrobeat music.
Orlando Julius: Profile overview
| Introduction | Musician |
| A.K.A. | Orlando Julius Ekemode |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Category | Music |
| Sex | male |
| Birth Year | 1943, Ilesa |
| Age: | 77 years |
Orlando Julius: Early Life, Family Background, and Education
Orlando Julius was born in 1943 in Ikole, Nigeria, to a family of merchants during the British colonial era. His mother was his initial musical instructor, engaging in singing and dancing while he played percussion. He attended St. Peter’s Anglican School in Ikole, where he participated in the school band. After leaving school in 1957 and the passing of his father, he traveled to Ibadan to follow his dream of becoming a musician. He worked at a bakery while performing with juju and konkoma bands either on drums or flute. At that time, there were no music schools in the vicinity, prompting the premier, Obafemi Awolowo, to establish one at his political party’s secretariat. He devoted time trying to connect with highlife musician Jazz Romero, performing tasks for him in the hopes of earning music lessons. Romero invited him to join his band at a hotel in Ondo, where he learned his first saxophone chords. Following a dispute between Romero and a nightclub owner, Julius assumed the role of bandleader. Shortly after, back in Ibadan, he became a member of Rex Williams’ highlife band. In the absence of formal education, he absorbed as much music as he could, purchasing records of any horn-driven genre, particularly the highlife music from Ghana, which was gaining popularity in Nigeria as well.
Orlando Julius: Legacy
Lopa Kothari from BBC radio described Orlando Julius as a “legend,” while Robin Denselow from The Guardian stated that he is “one of the champions of Nigerian music,” a “master of the straightforward, pulsating riff,” with a major impact on afrobeat music. Modern Ghana referred to him as “the last of Nigeria’s giants in the highlife music genre.” According to AllMusic, “few artists have been more vital to the creation, growth, and popularization of Afro-pop.”
Orlando Julius: Education
Orlando Julius Olusanya Ekemede attended St. Peter’s Anglican School in Ikole and was part of the school band. After leaving school in 1957 and the loss of his father, he moved to Ibadan to seek a career in music.
Orlando Julius: Career
Orlando Julius was a saxophonist, vocalist, and bandleader. Originating from Ijebu Ijesha, his musical journey began in the 60s when Eddie Okonta invited him to join his band. Prior to that, he had been mentored by highlife musician Jazz Romero. With Okonta’s ensemble, Julius participated in numerous performances and opened for American trumpeter and vocalist Louis Armstrong. In the following years, he collaborated with various bands, including Hugh Masakela, and opened for other prominent international acts. Julius also had the honor of opening for legendary American musician James Brown.
He released his initial hit ‘Jagua Nana’ in 1965 and subsequently toured West Africa. Julius initiated the Ashiko movement, teaching others his musical approach, though he did not remain in that role for an extended period.
After spending some time in the United States, he returned to Nigeria in 1984. He promptly began recording tracks for the album Dance Afro-Beat, which led to the formation of the 18-member Nigerian All-Stars band.
Orlando Julius: Passing
Orlando Julius passed away on the 14th of April, 2022.
The iconic Nigerian highlife musician, Orlando Julius, has died. His family confirmed he passed away on Thursday night at the age of 79.
The news was also verified by Afrobeat artist, Femi Kuti, who shared a photo of the late musician on social media.
Orlando Julius: Net Worth
Orlando Julius is reported to have an estimated net worth of $5 million.
