Jimi Solanke
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Jimi Solanke | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 July 1942 |
| Died | 5 February 2024 (aged 81) Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria |
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
| Alma mater | University of Ibadan |
| Occupations | Film actor Playwright Poet Folk Singer Dramatist |
| Known for | Kongi's Harvest, Sango, Shadow Parties |
| Relatives | Oyinkansola Solanke, Kehinde Solanke, Arole Taiwo Solanke, Seun Solanke, Lope Solanke, Sayo Solanke, Sola Solanke [1] |
Jimi Solanke ⓘ (4 July 1942 – 5 February 2024) was a Nigerian film actor, dramatist, folk singer, poet and playwright.[2][3][4]
Solanke graduated from the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a diploma certificate in drama.[5]
Career
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.[6] Solanke established himself in Los Angeles, California, where his storytelling career began. He was described as a "master storyteller" by CNN.[7]
In 1986, he returned to Nigeria with three members of the African Review group to work with the NTA. He also played the minstrel on the children's show Storyland.[8][9] His reputation earned him the lead role in most of Ola Balogun's films.[10] He was part of the team that made the film of Kongi's Harvest by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka.[11]
Death
Solanke died at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria on 5 February 2024, at the age of 81.[12]
