Prominent Nigerian dramatist and folk singer, Jimi Solanke, has passed away.
The cultural icon departed in the early hours of Monday, February 5, 2023, following a brief illness. He succumbed en route to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu, Ogun State.
Born on July 4, 1942, in Ipara Remo, Solanke’s artistic journey commenced as a founding member of the Orisun Theatre Group in 1961, under the tutelage of the renowned Wole Soyinka.
Over seven decades, Solanke made lasting contributions to the global entertainment industry, from the 1960s Western Nigeria Television to international festivals in Senegal and Algeria during the 1970s.
A University of Ibadan graduate with a diploma in Drama, Solanke later moved to the United States, where he established The Africa Review, focusing on African culture.
He gained recognition in Los Angeles, California, as a “master storyteller” according to CNN.
Returning to Nigeria in 1986, Solanke collaborated with the Nigerian Television Authority, introducing Storyland—a unique blend of storytelling, artistic performances, and musical accompaniment.
He played a key role in the film adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s “Kongi’s Harvest.”
At 81 years old, Jimi Solanke, affectionately known for his love of children, resided in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
