Jimi Solanke

• Name — Jimi Solanke • Born — 4 July 1942 • Birthplace — Lagos State, Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria • Died — 5 February 2024 • Place of death — Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria • Citizenship — Nigerian • Occupation — Film actor Playwright Poet Folk Singer Dramatist • Relatives — Oyinkansola Solanke, Kehinde Solanke, Arole Taiwo Solanke, Seun Solanke, Lope Solanke, Sayo Solanke, Sola Solanke • Known for — Kongi's Harvest, Sango, Shadow Parties • Education — University of Ibadan

Solanke graduated from the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a diploma certificate in drama.

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. Solanke established himself in Los Angeles, California, where his storytelling career began. He was described as a "master storyteller" by CNN. 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. His reputation earned him the lead role in most of Ola Balogun's films. He was part of the team that made the film of Kongi's Harvest by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka.

Solanke died at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria on 5 February 2024, at the age of 81.

• Kongi's Harvest (1970) • Sango: The Legendary African King (1997) • Shadow Parties (2021) as Akanji's Father • Jagun Jagun (2023) as Narrator

Jimi Solanke is recorded with the occupation playwright. Classed in the genre alternative music. Recorded as actor, poet, playwright and musician.