Veteran actor, Jimi Solanke dies at 81

Kangmwa GofwenFebruary 5, 20241 Mins read1k

Veteran actor, folk singer, poet and playwright, Pa Jimi Solanke has died at age 81

The legendary entertainer reportedly died on Monday morning, after a brief illness while he was being transported to a hospital in Ogun State.

Pa Solanke, who has inspired many artists and performers, was still performing on stage towards the end of last year, and had been a recurrent performer at the EnioBanke Festival, organised by Beautiful Nubia.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State confirmed his demise in a statement. He said the late veteran had “consistently put the name of the state in the limelight for very good reasons, especially in the arts, right from his days at the University of Ibadan School of Drama.

“Renowned for his tireless dedication to the arts, Baba Agba as he was widely known by his numerous fans across the country was a great ambassador of our dear state. He promoted the culture and tradition of the Yoruba race on the global stage with his drama, music, poetry, and other works of art.

“In 1961, he emerged as one of the pioneer members of the Orisun Theatre Group, founded by Professor Wole Soyinka. He went on to put in several decades of diverse exposure and experiences into the global entertainment industry across several broadcast stations, countries, and festivals, impacting the sector greatly, he said

The governor urged relatives and other lovers of the late poet to celebrate his life and preserve the many legacies he left behind for generations yet unborn.

Baba Agba, as he was fondly called was born on July 4, 1942, in Ipara Remo, Ogun State and has had an illustrious career on the stage and television. He will be missed greatly by the entertainment industry.