Afro-beat superstar Femi Kuti has mourned veteran musician, Orlando Julius who died at age 79.
Femi Kuti posted the deceased’s photo on Instagram on Friday, April 15, sending his condolences and prayers to Orlando’s family. He described Orlando as a great musician and a great saxophonist.
He wrote:
“Just heard of the passing of Mr Orlando Julius, RIP Sir, condolences to his family, praying for strength and comfort for his family at this difficult time. He was a great musician and great saxophonist.”
Born in Ikole in Ekiti State, Orlando Julius was a native of Ijebu-Ijesha in Osun State.
He was a contemporary of the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, even claiming that it was because of him that the latter learned to play the saxophone.
Orlando relocated to the United States of America in 1974 where he met his Chicago-born wife through Ambrose Campbell.
The couple returned to Nigeria in the late 90s, settling in Lagos before moving to Ilesa.
OJ, as he was fondly called, celebrated 60 years on stage in 2021.