Orlando Julius Ordained Evangelist

Last Thursday night marked another milestone in the career, and for that matter, life of the legendary Nigerian singer and saxophonist Orlando Julius Ekemode, popularly known as OJ in his home country. At a colourful ceremony at the Mission of Hope Ministries in Accra, OJ was ordained as an evangelist for Jesus Christ by the resident pastor of the church, Pastor Ebenezer Alabi, with the assistance of other ministers of the gospel. The occasion served also as a send-off service for OJ and his wife Latoya, who left for Nigeria the next day, after their six-month stay in Ghana. Back in Nigeria, the couple plans to stage various concerts, specifically gospel shows, in line with the acclaimed saxophonist’s calling as an evangelist. The programme would not have been complete without a rendition by Orlando Julius and a stunning dance by Latoya, for whom dancing comes naturally anywhere and at anytime. Giving a brief history about his musical career Orlando said he started playing music from school in 1957, being a member of the school band. He later studied music at Ibadan, where he had a greater part of his musical experience, playing with the Action Group Band. The legend that he is, Orlando has contributed in no small way to the Nigerian music industry and his influence has also been felt across the globe, having travelled extensively to perform in various countries, and to date, he dazzles audiences when he gets on his saxophone.