Celebrated veteran actor and playwright, Jimi Solanke, breathed his last at the age of 82 in a somber turn of events on Monday morning.
Also, a dramatist, folk singer and poet, the iconic figure, whose artistic journey spanned seven decades, succumbed to a brief illness while en route to the Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital.
Born on July 4, 1942 in Ipara Remo, Solanke’s legacy began as a pioneer member of the Orisun Theatre Group, founded by the Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka in 1961.
His contributions to the global entertainment industry left an indelible mark on platforms ranging from Western Nigeria Television in the 1960s to international festivals in Senegal and Algeria during the 1970s.
Solanke’s versatility shone through in memorable performances such as Death and the King’s Horseman, The Broken Calabash, Kurunmi, Kongi’s Harvest, The Divorce, and Ovaramwen Nogbaisi.
Recognized as a “skilled Nigerian actor” by the Oxford Times and also as the “star of an excellent troupe” by the New York Times during a performance of Wole Soyinka’s Kongi’s Harvest, Solanke’s captivating stagecraft earned him accolades locally and internationally.
Affectionately known as Baba Agba, Solanke’s impact transcended the state and screen, he was a consummate songwriter, performer, visual artist, and storyteller extraordinaire.
Described as a “better singer than actor,” he seamlessly merged acting prowess with musical delivery.
Beyond entertainment, Solanke was the Founder and Artistic Director of Ibudo Asa in Ipara Remo, leaving behind a legacy that resonates in the hearts of those who witnessed his artistry.
Survived by his wife, Chief Mrs. Toyin Solanke, the icon’s passing marks the end of an era in Nigerian entertainment, leaving a void felt for years to come.
The exceptional cultural ambassador is attested to be one man who has left and indomitable imprint on the history of African arts, enriching the nation’s cultural heritage.
