Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State confirmed the passing of veteran actor and dramatist, Jimi Solanke, on Monday morning. Solanke, a luminary whose artistic prowess illuminated stages both locally and internationally, bid farewell just 59 days shy of his 82nd birthday.
Born on July 4, 1942, in Ipara Remo, Jimi Solanke embarked on his illustrious artistic journey as a founding member of the Orisun Theatre Group, under the tutelage of the iconic playwright, Wole Soyinka, in 1961. His contributions to the cultural tapestry of Nigeria and beyond spanned an impressive seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on various platforms, from the pioneering days of Western Nigeria Television in the 1960s to commanding stages at international festivals in Senegal and Algeria throughout the 1970s.
Solanke's extraordinary versatility as a performer was evident in his captivating portrayals, which ranged from the poignant "Death and the King’s Horseman" to the gripping "Kurunmi," the thought-provoking "Kongi's Harvest," the emotionally charged "The Divorce," and the historical epic "Ovaramwen Nogbaisi." Each performance was a testament to his mastery of the craft and his ability to embody characters with depth and nuance, captivating audiences both at home and abroad.
The profound impact of Solanke's talent was recognized and celebrated on the global stage. The Oxford Times hailed him as a "Skilled Nigerian Actor," acknowledging his ability to transcend cultural barriers with his compelling performances. The New York Times, in a testament to his international acclaim, lauded him as the star of an "Excellent Troupe" during a commanding performance of Wole Soyinka's seminal work, "Kongi's Harvest."
Beyond his prowess as an actor, Solanke's creative spirit knew no bounds. He was a gifted songwriter, performer, visual artist, and storyteller, seamlessly weaving together various artistic disciplines to create captivating narratives that resonated deeply with audiences across generations.
