Connect with us

Entertainment

Veteran cultural actor Jimi Solanke dead

Published

on

 

A veteran actor and dramatist, Jimi Solanke, is dead.

The folk singer, poet, and playwright died on Monday, just 59 days to his 82nd birthday.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State confirmed the development in a statement.

Born on July 4, 1942, in Ipara Remo, Jimi Solanke’s artistic journey began as a pioneer member of the Orisun Theatre Group, founded by the renowned Wole Soyinka, in 1961.

His contributions to the global entertainment industry spanned seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on various platforms, from Western Nigeria Television in the 1960s to international festivals in Senegal and Algeria during the 1970s.

Solanke’s versatility shone through epic performances such as “Death and the King’s Horseman,” “Kurunmi,” “Kongi’s Harvest,” “The Divorce,” and “Ovaramwen Nogbaisi.”

The Oxford Times hailed him as a “Skilled Nigerian Actor,” and the New York Times recognized him as the star of an “Excellent Troupe” during a performance of Wole Soyinka’s “Kongi’s Harvest.”

READ  Customs intercept ammunition hidden in bags of rice

The late Solanke was also a songwriter, performer, visual artist, and storyteller.

‘A great Ambassador’
While mourning Solanke, who hails Ipara-Remo in Remo North Local Government Area of the Ogun State, Governor Abiodun condoled with the family, describing the death as a colossal loss to the theatre community in the state.

In a statement, Abiodun said the late Solanke had “consistently put the name of the state in the limelight for very good reasons, especially in the arts right from his days at the University of Ibadan School of Drama”.

The governor urged relatives and other loved ones of the late poet to celebrate his life and ensure that the many legacies he left b

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

Music legend and 28-time Grammy winner, Quincy Jones dies at 91

Published

on

By

Quincy Delight Jones Jr, the US record and TV producer whose career spanned over 70 years, has died at 91.

 

Arnold Robinson, Jones’ publicist, disclosed that he died on Sunday night at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles, surrounded by his family.

 

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said in a statement.

 

“And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

Jones worked with a plethora of notable names in the entertainment industry including Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Will Smith.

 

Among his best-known credits was as the producer of Jackson’s historic ‘Thriller’ album. The project sold more than 20 million copies in 1983 alone and is among the best-selling albums of all time.

Quincy Jones

The music composer and songwriter also oversaw the all-star recording of the 1985 charity record ‘We Are The World’.

READ  Buhari visits Ogun, commissions projects

 

Jones was born on March 14, 1933, in the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. He became popular in the 1950s as a jazz arranger and conductor before working on pop music and film scores.

 

In 1968, Jones became the first African American nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for ‘The Eyes of Love’ from the film ‘Banning’.

 

In 1971, Jones became the first African American to be the musical director and conductor of the Academy Awards. In 1995, he was the first African American to receive the academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

 

He won 28 Grammy Awards out of 80 nominations and was named one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century by Time magazine.

Continue Reading

Trending News

Actress Yvonne Jegede shaves hair for new movie role

Published

on

By

Popular Nollywood actress, Yvonne Jegede, has shaved off her natural hair for her role in an upcoming movie titled “AJA.”

Known for her long natural hair, Jegede stated that she had been nurturing the hair for 10 years before this decision.

Jegede took to her Instagram account on Sunday to share the transformation, explaining that the decision was necessary to fully embody the character.

“I have always believed that to tell a story authentically, you must be willing to give everything to the role, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.

“This belief is what guided my decision to cut my hair for my ongoing movie, “AJA. ” It wasn’t an easy decision, but for me, it was necessary to fully embody the character I’ve been entrusted to bring to life,” she wrote.

She explained that beyond dialogue and emotions, she needed “a physical transformation that would connect me even deeper with the character.”

READ  Again, Three soldiers killed by bandits in Niger community

Jegede emphasised that her dedication to her craft knows no bounds, and she is willing to push boundaries to deliver exceptional performances.

She added, “Cutting my hair wasn’t just about changing my appearance; it was about shedding my comfort and embracing a new side of myself for the sake of the story. I’ve always believed that as an actor, you have to be ready to push boundaries, and this role is definitely doing that for me.

“This decision also reflects my dedication to my craft. I take acting seriously, and I believe in fully immersing myself in every role I take on.

“‘AJA’ is a unique project that will challenge me, and I’m ready to give it everything I have. It’s not just about looking the part, but becoming the character from the inside out.”

Aside from going bald for a movie role, the actress also revealed that she is also learning to speak proper Yoruba.

“I love my job too much not to take risks… I see myself as a tool to convey the appropriate message; if the script deserves it, I will do whatever needs to be done to give the story life.

READ  Manufacturers in distress as diesel price rises to N730

“Apart from this drastic change, I am learning to speak proper Yoruba language,” she wrote.

Jegede’s bold move has generated surprise and admiration among fans for her courage.

#moetabebe commented on Instagram, “Omg! All that hair!”

#bianca_ugowanne wrote, “African Queen. You’re so brave.”

#by_mickeycreates praised the actress, saying, “Give it up for a woman who knows her craft!”

#michaelbeliveofficial also wrote, “Ma’am, you’re absolutely the real African queen with or without hair.”

Some other Nollywood actresses who have shaved off their hair in the past to embody a character in a movie include Mercy Johnson-Okojie, Fathia Williams, Toyin Abraham, Destiny Etiko, and Chika Ike, among others.

Continue Reading

Trending News

Gospel singer Dare Melody loses wife

Published

on

By

Damilare David Odunuga, the Nigerian gospel singer better known as Dare Melody, has announced the passing of Adedoyin Odunuga, his wife.

Melody mourned his wife on his Instagram page, revealing that Adedoyin died in the early hours of Thursday.

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the transition to eternal rest of our beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend (Mrs. Adedoyin Odunuga, nee Odagi), who passed away early this morning today 24th of October 2024,” he wrote.

“RIP. You will forever be in our hearts.”

The cause of her death was not disclosed.

Tributes and condolences have since flooded in from fans and fellow gospel musicians.

Laolu Gbenga wrote, “Omg, the Lord comfort you”.

Rotimi Onimole also commented, “Omg. Please accept my condolences. May her soul rest in peace”.

Bukola Oreofe expressed her grief, saying, “Jesus! May her soul rest in peace,” while Oluwakemi Oyetayo added, “Accept my condolences, please.”

READ  Customs intercept ammunition hidden in bags of rice

Melody and Adedoyin tied the knot in 2017 at the Ikoyi Registry after being together for 16 years.

The wedding ceremony was graced by many of Dare’s colleagues from the gospel music industry.

The pair have three children together.

In 2023, Melody gifted Adedoyin a house to celebrate her 45th birthday.

Continue Reading

Trending News