How Nigeria’s Foremost Dramatist, Jimi Solanke Died After Brief Illness

Prominent Nigerian dramatist and folk singer, Jimi Solanke has died bringing sorrow to many and nostalgia over his iconic role in Nigerian arts.

The cultural icon departed from this world in the early hours of Monday, February 5, 2023, succumbing to a brief illness. The journey to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State, where he sought medical attention, marked his final moments.

Born on July 4, 1942, in Ipara Remo, Jimi Solanke’s artistic odyssey commenced as a founding member of the Orisun Theatre Group, an ensemble established by the renowned Wole Soyinka in 1961. With a diploma certificate in Drama from the University of Ibadan, Solanke’s influence on the global entertainment stage spanned an impressive seven decades.

From the 1960s at Western Nigeria Television to international festivals in Senegal and Algeria during the 1970s, Solanke left an indelible mark. His sojourn in the United States led to the creation of The Africa Review, a drama group that showcased African culture, adorned in Yoruba attire. Establishing himself in Los Angeles, California, he gained recognition as a “master storyteller” by CNN.

In 1986, Solanke returned to Nigeria, collaborating with the Nigerian Television Authority. He introduced “Storyland,” a unique blend of storytelling, artistic presentations, and musical performances with children gathered around him, singing and dancing. His involvement in the film adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s “Kongi’s Harvest” showcased his multifaceted talents.

Known for his love for children, Jimi Solanke, at 81, resided in Ile-Ife, Osun State. His legacy extends beyond the theatrical and musical realms, embodying a lifetime dedicated to the enrichment of cultural narratives and the nurturing of young minds.

As we bid farewell to this luminary, the echoes of his storytelling, the melodies of his guitar, and the resonance of his impact on Nigerian arts will endure, ensuring that Jimi Solanke lives on in the hearts and memories of those touched by his extraordinary contributions to the cultural tapestry of Nigeria.

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