Foremost Nigerian Afrobeat/Highlife musician, Julius Ekemode, popularly known as Orlando Julius, who died on April 14 at the age of 78, has been laid to rest on Saturday, May 28 in his hometown, Ijebu Ijesha in Osun State.
Chief Tony Okoroji, National Chairman of The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON); Tunde Kelani, ace filmmaker; Nigerian flautist, Tee Mac Omatshola; Afrobeat singer and actor, Dede Mabiaku; and songstress Yinka Davies are some of the notable Nigerians from the creative industry who were present to pay their last respect to the ace musician.
Orlando Julius was interred at his newly-built house christened ‘Orlando Julius Afrohouse of Highlife’ in Ijebu-Ijesa.
Before the interment, according to the programme of the burial released by the family, a Christian Wake-Keep was held on May 27 at his home town, Oke Agboja, Ijebu Ijesa, while the funeral service was held at St. Matthew’s Church, Ijebu-Ijesa.
Interment proper took place at his residence after the church service while the celebration of the life and times of OJ as he is fondly called took place at the Ijebu-Ijesa town hall.
It will be recalled that OJ passed on April 14.
He was a saxophonist, singer, bandleader and songwriter closely associated with Afrobeat music with several gold and platinum albums.