MYSTERY surrounds the sudden death of a popular Sheffield club and bar owner – a key figure in the city’s thriving music scene.
Okie Dulo, aged 37, was found dead at his home on Ecclesall Road after falling ill with what he thought was the norovirus.
He had come back to Sheffield after spending Christmas with his family in his native Kenya.
Tributes have poured in from around the world – a Facebook page in his memory attracted almost 800 members.
Born Okoth Timothy Dulo – but known to everyone as Okie – he came to Britain in 1984 and studied at Hallam University for a business and technology degree.
He made his name in the entertainment scene, taking on his first major job at the Forum on Devonshire Street.
In 2003 he opened Dulo’s bar on Cemetery Road which became an influential underground music venue, featuring live bands.
The venue closed in 2009 and Okie opened Sawa on Arundel Gate – and later was a key driving force behind festival Tramlines.
Close friend and business partner Scott Moncrieff said: “He was known and loved by everybody. He had an uncanny ability to make everybody think they had his full attention and warmth.”
Okie’s funeral is due to take place in Sheffield next Thursday.
Comments