Nigerian artist, cultural icon, Jimi Solanke, dies at 82…….Dapo Abiodun mourns, describes him as worthy Ambassador

Veteran actor, dramatist, folk singer, poet, and playwright, Jimi Solanke, has passed at the age of 82.

Solanke died on Monday morning from a brief illness en route Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital.

Born on July 4, 1942, in Ipara Remo, Jimi Solanke’s artistic journey began as a pioneer member of the Orisun Theatre Group, founded by the renowned Wole Soyinka, in 1961.

His contributions to the global entertainment industry spanned seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on various platforms, from the Western Nigeria Television in the 1960s to international festivals in Senegal and Algeria during the 1970s.

Solanke’s versatility shone through in epic performances such as “Death and the King’s Horseman,” “Kurunmi,” “Kongi’s Harvest,” “The Divorce,” and “Ovaramwen Nogbaisi.”

His captivating stagecraft and theatrical brilliance earned him accolades and recognition, both locally and internationally.

The Oxford Times hailed him as a “Skilled Nigerian Actor,” and the New York Times recognized him as the star of an “Excellent Troupe” during a performance of Wole Soyinka’s “Kongi’s Harvest.”

Affectionately known as Baba Agba, Solanke was more than just an actor; he was a consummate and quintessential songwriter, performer, visual artist, and storyteller extraordinaire.

Described as “a better singer than an actor” by those who witnessed his enchanting performances, he often referred to himself as an “actor-singer,” seamlessly merging his acting prowess with musical delivery.

His impact extended beyond the stage and screen, as Solanke was the Founder and Artistic Director of Ibudo Asa in Ipara Remo, Remo North Local Government, Ogun State, Nigeria.

He has left behind a legacy that transcended borders, resonating in the hearts of those who had the privilege to witness his artistry.

Jimi Solanke is survived by his wife, Chief Mrs. Toyin Solanke, and his passing marks the end of an era in Nigerian entertainment, leaving a void that will be felt for years to come.

The cultural ambassador extraordinaire has left an indelible imprint on the history of African arts and will be remembered for his contributions to the enrichment of the nation’s cultural heritage

Meanwhile, Governor Dapo Abiodun has mourned the late Solanke ad described the late poet as a   worthy Ambassador.

The Governor described the death of renowned African culture ambassador, Olujimi Solanke as a colossal loss to the theatre community and Ogun State.

He also condoled with the family of the veteran poet, dramatist and the people of Ipara-Remo in Remo North Local Government Area of the State.

Mostly remembered by many for his television programme ‘Story land’, on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Solanke reportedly died on Monday morning after a brief illness.

He is survived by his wife, Toyin, children and grandchildren.

In a statement, Abiodun said the late Solanke had “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.”

The Governor urged relatives and other loved ones of the late poet to celebrate his life and ensure that the many legacies he left behind are preserved even for generations yet unborn.

“Renowned for his tireless dedication to the arts, Baba Agba as he was widely known by his numerous fans across the country, was a great ambassador of our dear state. He promoted the culture and tradition of the Yoruba race on the global stage with his drama, music, poetry and other works of art.

“In 1961, he emerged as one of the pioneer members of the Orisun Theatre Group, founded by Professor Wole Soyinka. He went on to put in several decades of diverse exposures and experiences into the global entertainment industry across several broadcast stations, countries and festivals, impacting on the sector greatly.

“Many of his admirers still recall with nostalgia, 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 at different times described by the Oxford Times and the New York Times as a ‘Skilled Nigerian Actor’ and an ‘Excellent Troupe’ respectively, owing to his performance of Wole Soyinka’s Kongi’s Harvest, during a tour of Europe.

“He sang with Highlife music Legends like Roy Chicago, Eddy Okonta, and Chris Ajilo. He also worked with many global musicians, including Chubby Checker of Twist fame and Millicent Small of Rock Steady. He was with Ralph MacDonald, the lead voice in the chartbuster, Ona La, The Path,” the statement said.

Recalling Solanke’s sonorous voice, impressive gesticulations, near perfect mimicry, and electrifying dances while reeling out folklores with ease, the statement added that the late poet would be greatly missed by all and sundry.

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