Jimi Solanke: Day The Grandmaster Received Thunderous Ovation At Home
For Pa Jimi Solanke, music flows in his vein. The desterity with which he practices the highlife genre was unequal. The master story teller demonstrated the superlative performance when he sang for Governor Dapo Abiodun during the state banquet to commemorate his 80th birthday.
The octogenarian was a delight to watch as he wriggles his body like a Chinese gymnastics to the lyrics of his own music. The grandmaster shows his proficiency in the art; ‘tantalising’ his audience at the banquet hall of June 12 cultural centre, Abeokuta.
Pa Solanke even at 80 was not in a haste to quit the stage. From ‘Osupa’ melodius tune to ‘ Boo ba o pa’, a metaphor of how complex the world will live in is. It was a fond memories as the audience joined to sing the chorus.
It was a Saturday to remember with all who’s who in the society in attendance.
From the Mainframe Boss, Tunde Kilani, To Aare Lekan Alabi, Laolu Akins, Ladi Ayodeji and national vice chairman, south west, Social Democratic Party, Mr.Alani Silas amongst others.
From Ogun state, the deputy Governor , Noimot Salako represented Governor Abiodun with powerful delegation which include members of house of Assembly , Commissioners, special advisers and other Government functionaries..
Also, the traditional ruler of Pa Solanke’s Ipara Remo, HRM Oba Taiwo Taiwo was in attendance to felicitate with the son of the soil and the living legend.
The Evergreen Promotion led by its chief executive officer, Bimbo Esho who orgainsed the event ensured that it was fun filled. The founder of Evergreen Promotion, Yemi Esho and his beautiful wife was there.
The compere, Yemi Sodimu also joined in the beautiful rendition of highlife music and did a yeoman’s job playing the dual roles to relive his fond memories of the entertainment industry.
