Jimi Solanke, a native of Ipara-Remo, Ogun State, was born on July 4, 1942.
He is a Nigerian storyteller, film actor, dramatist, folk singer, poet and playwright.
He 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.
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 Nigerian Television Authority, NTA. Then, he came up with Storyland, where he tells stories with insertion of artistic works by artists. At the same time, plays his guitar with kids surrounding him, singing and dancing.
He was part of the team that made the film for Kongi’s Harvest by Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka.
Uncle Jimi Solanke, the children-lover, is now 81 years old and lives in Ile-Ile, Osun State, Nigeria.