The Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo has called on younger generation of musicians and artise to use their skills in correcting ills in the society, and be more intentional at carving a niche for themselves by exhibiting the virtues of perseverance, resilience, humility and humani.
The Honourable commissioner made the call in her welcome speech at state banquet organized by Ogun State Government to celebrate Pa Jimi Solanke at 80 alongside presentation of the grandmaster, a photo journal, creative life and unveiling of musical works held at June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.The commissioner who described Solanke as a good reference noted that his creative works transcend generations adding that it would not be out of place to describe the octogenarian as a detribalized actor and musician whose unique style of reciting folktales with his booming golden voice backed up with guitars, singing in different tones, using passionate gesticulations and mimicry to drive the message home to his young and not so young listeners has saved our culture from going into extinction.
“It is high time the younger generations borrowed a leaf from the strides of Baba Solanke, whose carefully crafted music (life performance inclusive) has garnered recognition and admiration nationally and internationally. Our dear music artiste and actors, I beseech you to be more intentional at carving a niche for yourself by exhibiting the virtues of perseverance, resilience, humility and humanism which Baba Solanke exemplifies.
Hon. Adeleye-Oladapo pointed out that songs should compel and motivate people into positive action, pass constructive comments on current issues, educate and entertain members of the society,noting that one of the most socially varied populations on the African continent is the Yoruba of South-Western Nigeria.” Uniquely, we are renowned from other groups in the Nation in very large part by our enviable accomplishments in the art, culture and entertainment sectors, particularly through our genres of music including but not limited to Juju, Fuji, Apala, Sakara, Waka and the distinct folklore amongst others. In the whole, the Yoruba traditional music and stage plays (ere ori itage) in Nigeria as well as its roles in popularising the cultural values and heritage of Africans, especially the Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora can never be undervalued. No doubt, the duo constitute an important medium through which Yoruba values have been sustained in our diverse society in the face of the aggressive cultural imperialism that is fast encroaching the African continent”, she said.
“Very distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate one of those sages, Baba Agba Jimi Solanke whose creative works transcend generations. It would not be out of place to describe the octogenarian as a detribalized actor and musician whose unique style of reciting folktales with his booming golden voice backed up with guitars, singing in different tones, using passionate gesticulations and mimicry to drive the message home to his young and not so young listeners has saved our culture from going into extinction”.As a veteran storyteller, actor, songwriter, performer, visual artist, and poet extraordinaire, BABA AGBA, our living legend keeps leaving no stone unturned at deploying his gripping compositions to educate, teach morals, preach against societal ills, brilliantly promote Yoruba culture across the globe, likewise sermonise on morality. Your creative fusion of highlife into indigenous African music in Ejekajo, Owo Orisa, Jen ro kan, Onilegogoro, Ore titan, Khaki no be leather likewise the project album you recorded a couple of years ago on women and children, highlighting over-population and the avoidance of HIV/AIDS are few of your footprint at projecting your inborn resourcefulness to the global world at a time where the entire nation’s music scene is fast becoming morally debasing”.
“It is high time the younger generations borrowed a leaf from the strides of Baba Solanke, whose carefully crafted music (life performance inclusive) has garnered recognition and admiration nationally and internationally”.
