Jimi Solanke, a Nigerian film actor, dramatist, folk singer, poet and playwright has passed on at the age of 82.
It was gathered that the iconic figure breathed his last on Monday morning after a brief illness. He was said to have gave up the ghost on his way to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital when the family members noticed his unstable breathing.
Jimi Solanke was born on July 4, 1942, in Ipara Remo. He graduated from the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a diploma certificate in drama
After graduation, Solanke moved to the United States, where he created a drama group called The Africa Review, focusing on African culture. Members of this group usually put on African clothing, specifically Yoruba costume. They performed in black African schools. Solanke established himself in Los Angeles, California, where his storytelling career began. He was described as a “master storyteller” by CNN
In 1986, he returned to Nigeria with three members of the African Review group to work with the Nigerian Television Authority. His reputation earned him the lead role in most of Ola Balogun’s films. He was part of the team that made the film of Kongi’s Harvest by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka.
Jimi Solanke is survived by his wife, Chief Mrs. Toyin Solanke.
