Jimi Solanke is one of the few elders in the entertainment industry, still serenading everyone about what we need to know wayback, as many of his generation have long retired from the scene. Uncle Jimi as he is fondly called is still very busy with all his social media handles. The new tools he has continued to use to diseminate information about that golden era of total entertainment. He recalls one of his fond memories of traditional entertainment- the Strolling Performers, a collective that is fast disappearing.

Once upon a time, when I was still a very young boy. There were lots of performers in my hometown and even in Lagos where we lived, Olowogbowo area. Talking drummers, praise singers,small groups of acrobatics and other performing artists.

come to your doorstep and start their presentation. You like it or not,you will end up giving them money. They will thank you and head for the next house. Then, as children in those days,we used to enjoy what they were offering.

Years after, when l started showing my talent and became interested in becoming a singer, my father started comparing me to those strolling performers and asked if all l wanted to become was an Alagbe?

Till date, l am an Alagbe that does not praise sing anybody’s name. I have been jinxed by what my Dad of blessed memory thought his son was going to be. In those days, musicians were related to as nobody. We were termed omo ita, asunta the one that does not come home to sleep. And because of their understanding of local bards and griots, that are always begging for money, we are Alagbe. The reason why I select lyrics for my songs. But wait a second! We are no more Alagbes!! The industry has metamorphosed into a million dollar project. I wish you all the best of luck. End of story.

Courtesy of Jimi Solanke