One by one, the fruit shall desert the mother tree, and the fruit tree will become firewood. Today, it’s Jimi Solanke, and like those gone before, those remaining behind, shall set sail to sea and return no more, one-day.
On the day Jimi Solanke was born, like Labode, he was a master of mirth. Both descended from the same pot of clay, where creations were brought forward. With a golden voice that worked magic on any tune, flexible dance moves, and a mind that bent words for captivating stories, Solanke was a griot. Theatre was his life.
Widely celebrated as a master storyteller, he dedicated his life to preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through captivating performances. A trailblazer and mentor in the Nigerian art scene, he collaborated with influential figures to create a new vision on stage.
From Humble Beginnings To Musical Brilliance
Born on July 4, 1942, in Lagos Island, Solanke’s musical journey began in his formative years. Starting with songwriting in secondary school, he later joined bands in Ibadan, and later, attended the University of Ibadan, where he earned a diploma in drama.
While in Ibadan, Solanke’s double life of day work and nighttime performances caught up with him. His ouster led him to the intellectual haven of Mbari Club, where literary giants such as, Wole Soyinka fueled his artistic flame. This experience set him on a path that transformed his life.
In his words about his growing up and the places he had sojourned, Jimi said, “at the same time, in homes like ours, because of the exposure of our parents, we listened to some other types of music from top bands of international repute. Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan and the rest. These were the musicians who poured unforgettable lyrics into our lives. They made me know how to sing the range of songs we termed ‘classical ‘. Then, the Highlife era took off with ET Mensah. Bobby Benson, Charles lwegbue, Roy Chicago. All of these bandsmen reeled out tunes memorable to date.”
In 1969, he ventured to the United States, forming The Africa Review, a group showcasing the beauty and diversity of African culture. As a solo artist, he gained recognition as a storyteller, even featuring on CNN. Returning to Nigeria in 1986, Solanke continued his career in film, television, radio, and stage. His cinematic journey included roles in movies such as ‘Kongi’s Harvest’, ‘Sango’, and ‘Shadow Parties’.
He hosted popular TV shows, including ‘Storyland’ and ‘Maggi Family Menu’. He also composed and sang songs recorded by renowned musicians like Roy Chicago and contributed poems to the Lagos Black Heritage Festival.
The First Rap Verse In the World
Fondly called Uncle Jimi, he left an indelible mark in film, drama, music, poetry, and storytelling.
His diverse talents extended beyond the stage. In 1977, after a stellar performance at the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC), he found himself in a studio surrounded by music legends like Grover Washington and Hugh Masekela. This encounter resulted in what Solanke claimed to be the first rap verse in the world, featured on Ralph MacDonald’s track, ‘The Path’.
Solanke had said: “A lot of American performers came to Nigeria during FESTAC, like Stevie Wonder and I touched his shoulders the night he performed at the National Theatre.
“After one of my performances, somebody next to him said, ‘Oh that’s Jimi Solanke o’, and so he gave me his card. When the festival was over, I decided to look at it. The message read, ‘You need a trip out of the country, a holiday per se.
“I took a trip afterwards, first to London, then Trinidad and Tobago, and then America towards the end of November. I had already stayed for a few days when someone called me, saying that they had discussed it with a lot of people but wanted me to do a voice-over in Yoruba… So, I borrowed my friend’s jacket and went to the studio… and they were all there: Grover Washington, Hugh Masekela, late Miriam Makeba… name them, top names, top brand artists. So, they said they wanted to translate this English poem into Yoruba and then do a chant. Would you believe that was the first rap in the whole world? Yes, that was the first rap. Nobody had ever done that kind of thing. That was in 1977.”
Enchanting The Young Minds
In the twilight of his career, Solanke enchanted young minds with captivating stories on shows like ‘StoryLand.’ His baritone voice, coupled with nimble guitar playing, became a cherished memory for generations of children.
Solanke’s Journey Home
Solanke’s journey was one of artistic exploration, breaking barriers, and leaving an indelible mark on African music and storytelling. As the world bids farewell to this maestro, his legacy lives on through the timeless tales and melodies that continue to captivate hearts. Jimi Solanke, Sun re oo!
