When we were barely children in the 1960s, the WNTV, first in Africa started the Children’s TV Club, a 30-minute children’s programme on weekend evenings.
I and my cousins along with friends were fortunate to be regulars on the show. A young lad in his late teens who played guitar and told us stories was our TV Uncle, Jimi Solanke.
He taught us to sing, told us stories and generally was the most loving young uncle we all wanted to be like.
I recall in 1967 when Chubby Checker the American star and inventor of the Twist Sance came to Nigeria and had a show with another superstar musician of those days, Jamaican born Millicent Small, uncle Jimi was guest artiste doing his new song “Ẹjẹ ka jọ”.
My mother took me to the concert and even as an 8-year-old boy, I had the boldness to hop on stage and do the twist with uncle Jimi and Chubby Checker.
Uncle Jimi gave me that confidence.
This great man has inspired and continues to inspire us. Today he is a renown Folklorist, Actor, Musician and quintessential Omoluabi. We now call him BABA AGBA.
I salute you sir. Love you so much for making our childhood so meaningful, introducing us to musical arts and folklore.
May you live in great health, prosperity and God’s favour.
Uncle Jimi of the Land of Hatchi Melatchi!!!!
Happy birthday sir.
