It was a befitting posthumous 80th birthday ceremony for Nigeria’s globally impactful Afrobeat legendary saxophonist and culture ambassador, Orlando Julius Ekemode, penultimate Friday, at his country home, Ilesa, Osun State, when his wife, American dancer and performer, Latoya Aduke, led his acolytes, mentees, ‘musical children and grandchildren to hold his 80th birthday remembrance event.
According to her, the event was held to ensure that Orlando’s legacy, musical philosophy, creative arts, and cultural essence were upheld from generation to generation.
“Orlando deserves more than everything we do for him. He has gone but he will be remembered for his musical excellence and unique impact in raising so many musicians worldwide.
“He discovered me, nurtured me, and set me up to become an accomplished artiste. He must live on,” she assured.
The event featured a prayer session and thanksgiving service conducted by the Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Nigeria, Olomowewe Aladura Isona in Ilesa, Osun State, and presided by Most Supreme Apostle Prophet Hezekiah Oni JP.
Latoya later led the guests to a tribute march for the music legend around his house. She carried a portrait large framed photograph of the late music maestro in front to celebrate Orlando.
The Egboro Dance and Comedy Troupe also thrilled the audience with creative musical and comic performances. While guests visited Orlando’s tomb to pay him honour. The Elegboro of Ijebu-Ijesa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Moses Agunoye was among the dignitaries that graced the event.
“My husband was a great man. A great musician, who impacted the world with his music, art, and culture around the World. He took Afrobeat music to America, South America, Europe, and everywhere in the world. His legacy will never die, as long as I live. His spirit lives in me. He nurtured me to who I am today and many others around the World.
“In addition, we are also going to hold music concerts tagged, “OJ Jazz Festival” around the world only for OJ. We will also produce TV shows, documentaries, and tourism festivals. We are starting the tourism festival from Ilesha to the world. OJ and I discovered that this place Osun State is richly blessed with so many natural tourism sites the World needs to see. We are going to make it happen here, among other amazing projects for the memorable legacy of OJ,” she added.
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