OJ, has left a great landmark achievement and almost unbeatable track record that will stand the test of time.

Writes Bimbo Esho. Additional report by Ireho Aito

Orlando Julius Ekemode is a household name in the Nigerian entertainment circle. He is a jazz player, saxophonist and Afrobeat pioneer. Orlando Julius is a man with over 50 year music career, jamming from Africa to America and Europe. His struts on his trumpet and sax are synonymous to early recordings of Nigerian music in the post-independence era..

OJ, as he is simply called globally rocked clubs and concerts venues at home and abroad genuinely with fans yearning for the feel of his sax.

Pesently, the veteran of World Music is ringing in millenia ears with his compositions that are thoroughbred. His first gigs and early recordings were recorded that National Broadcasting Corporation, Lagos and more eclectic numbers have been churned out as years run by. Orlando’s global tours are well documented with quality history.

OJ, has left a great landmark achievement and almost unbeatable track record that will stand the test of time. Such numbers like Igbehin Adara, Ololufe Mi, Jaguar Nana, Columbia, Topless, Bamijo, are some of Orlando Julius’s evergreen classic that readily come to mind everytime his name is mentioned.

My father, Mr Femi Esho , the great Highlife enthusiast and Chairman of Evergreen Musical Limited, Lagos often reminsices on how big Highlife bands in the 60’s controlled the Nigerian social scene. According to him, many popular musicians of that era were band-in-residence in Ibadan and Lagos. Orlando Julius played at Independence Hotel in Ibadan while Roy Akintola Chicago, a popular Highlife musician played at Central Hotel and Eddy Okonta another highlife great had his own residence band at Paradise Hotel in Ibadan. Social life, from his recount was smooth and many people, especially, those with penchant for nightlife, moved freely at night shuttling from one club to the other.

Ibadan, just like Lagos, was the beehive of activities as other big bands such as Dele Ojo, Eric Akaeze, Bola Johnson of the Easy Life fame all made Ibadan tick and music was a great universal language that gave people a sense of identity and patriotism.

On 21st of May 2002 , Mr Femi Esho solemnized the union between Orlando Julius and his hearthrob Latoya Aduke. This memorable even took place at his office in the presence of ace drummer Akanbi Moses.

Orlando Julius met Latoya Aduke through Ambrose Campbell in Los Angeles in 1978 and ever since these two lovebirds have remained unseperable and continually bond in true undiluted love.

Orlando, an indigene of Ijebu Ijesha has traveled to different countries in the world, performing and recording songs with big bands like Lamont Dozier, Hugh Masakela , James Brown.

The famous Jagua Nana crooner recorded his first single titled Igbehin Adara in 1960 through the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). He was also a member of the Action Group Band which was put together by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. This platform overtime gave him the niche and exposure and was a place of musical tutulege for different musicians at that time.

Oj in many of his interviews granted, always owe so much gratitude to Chief Obafemi Awolowo for this singular act as he often reminsice how the band contributed to his music career.

Orlando Julius in 1965 released his first 45 single titled Jaguar Nana a song which was inspired by Cyprian Ekwensi book Jaguar Nana’s daughter.

Baba Oj has performed and received award for his contribution in music. Our company Evergreen Musical Company have held several events and award in honour of Orlando Julius. Today he remains one of the greatest musicians that Nigeria will ever have.

Article written by Bimbo Esho. Additional report by Ireho Aito /photographs /Google

Bimbo Esho is the Managing Director of Evergreen Musical Limited, Lagos. She lives in Lagos