Pa. Jimi Solanke, the legendary actor, dramatist, folk singer, poet, and playwright, has passed away.
He passed away in his native state of Ogun at the age of 81 from an old age sickness.
Our correspondent has information that indicates the late lyricist passed away while being transported to Babcock Hospital in Ilishan-Remo for medical attention.
The Ipara-Remo-born graduated from the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Diploma Certificate in Drama.
The late man, known by most as Uncle Jimi, was well-known for his parts in Shadow Parties, Sango, Kongi’s Harvest, a play by Professor Wole Soyinka, and many more.
The death of well-known African culture ambassador Solanke has been hailed by Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun as a monumental loss for the state’s theater industry.
The governor also expressed sympathy to the residents of Ipara-Remo in the State’s Remo North Local Government Area as well as the family of the seasoned poet-dramatist.
Solanke, who is mostly known for his “Story Land” television series on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), passed away on Monday morning following a brief illness. He was eighty-two years old. His children, grandchildren, and wife Toyin survive him.
The late Solanke ”consistently put the name of the state in the limelight for very good reasons, especially in the arts right from his days at the University of Ibadan School of Drama,” according to a statement released by Abiodun.
In order to honor the late poet’s life and guarantee that the numerous legacies he left behind are maintained even for future generations, the governor called on the poet’s loved ones to celebrate.
Renowned for his unwavering devotion to the arts, our beloved state was well-represented by Baba Agba, as he was affectionately known by his many admirers nationwide. His poetry, music, theater, and other artistic creations helped to spread awareness of the Yoruba people’s culture and traditions around the world.
He emerged as one of the pioneer members of the Orisun Theatre Group, founded by Professor Wole Soyinka in 1961. He went on to put in several decades of diverse exposure and experiences in the global entertainment industry across several broadcast stations, countries and festivals, impacting the sector greatly.
Many of his admirers still recall his epic performances at the Western Nigeria Television, WNTV, Ibadan in the 1960s, his unforgettable stagecraft at the World Festival of Negro Arts in Senegal and the amazing skills he exhibited at the Pan-African Cultural Festival in Algeria, all in the 1970s.
“Also to his credit are brilliant performances in epics like Death and the King’s Horseman, Kurunmi, Kongi’s Harvest, The Divorce and Ovaramwen Nogbaisi. These performances and his numerous talents turned him into a global icon of the arts. He was a man good at his job.
Because of his portrayal of Wole Soyinka’s Kongi’s Harvest while on tour in Europe, he was called, at various points, a “Skilled Nigerian Actor” and a “Excellent Troupe” by the Oxford Times and the New York Times, respectively.
He sung alongside legendary figures in highlife music like Roy Chicago, Chris Ajilo, and Eddy Okonta. Additionally, he collaborated with other international performers, such as Millicent Small of Rock Steady and Chubby Checker of Twist fame. According to the statement, he was alongside Ralph MacDonald, the main voice of the hit song Ona La, The Path.
The statement continued, recalling Solanke’s beautiful voice, remarkable gestures, almost flawless imitation, and captivating dances while effortlessly reciting folktales. It also stated that everyone will deeply miss the late poet.
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