Jimi!!!

BY ODOLAIYE AREMU

In the early 70s, I had a massive crush on Jimi Solanke’s then wife. That was at a time when both worked for WNTV-Ibadan. A kind of a power couple of the relatively slow era.

Bisi Lasile, much later Bisi Lasile-Oladimeji was perhaps the sweetest voice on TV. A drop-dead gorgeous broadcaster with droopy eyes and pretty aura.

Kids around my age in Ibadan of those days fought each other over Bisi. I envied Jimi not only for his wife alone but for that gruff, baritone voice that aroused the curiosity in us kids. His goofy nature captivated us too. And his Tortoise stories were like starship that frequently flew us into the Animal Kingdom within our own minds. A beautiful kingdom where animals talked, sang, sowed mischief and even taught human kids everlasting lessons.

To an immature mind like mine at the time, it seemed Jimi had everything! For one he had Bisi. He could play the guitar. He could sing. He told fantastic kiddie fables. He was an actor on TV. And he was a beloved star. His interpretation of Kurunmi of Ijaye in a tv adaptation remains the best in my opinion out of many characterizations. I still remember one of the songs even: “Lẹ́ẹ́fúrege Regelẹ́fú, Adigun ojo Ìbàdàn…”

I still saw him few months ago, in my recollection of him in that unique brandy/fat cigar-rich voice of his, strumming his acoustic guitar while singing an Ìbejì song – a song he composed right there on the spot, once on WNTV with the Lijadu Sisters.

Brilliant and overwhelmingly artistic. Even in old age, his embracing smile remained intact. And his sharp, penetrating eyes never lost their focus.

He was our uncle Jimi just as the bald Roscoe Orman was at a time ‘Gordon Robinson’ in the vintage Sesame Street. And he was as great a folk singer as Richie Havens.

I have a feeling there are some hyperactive Àbíkú and Emèrè kids in heaven desperately in need of some calming stories and studio entertainment. God is frustrated and doesn’t want to entertain another insurrection – hence his quick departure. Jimi Solanke himself would have embellished it pretty much the same way in that guttural voice of his.

Of one thing I am forever sure: when it is nighttime down here on earth. It is early morning up there in heaven. RIP!

Culled from Odolaiye’s Facebook Page