Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
‘Once Upon a Time’, a folktale television show will be starring legendary storyteller, Jimi Solanke as anchor.
The CNN-acclaimed master storyteller at a press briefing organised by Glass House Entertainment in his honour that he was pleased to return to TV again, stating that he was even more delighted by the objective of the initiative.
The former Storyline anchor on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) described his return to television as a “resurgence”. He also mentioned that he never stopped storytelling as he on occasion visits schools and children gatherings to narrate “educational fairy tales”.
“I have not stopped storytelling. I still go to schools in Ile Ife. I accept every invitation to tell educational fairy tales.
I didn’t, however, think that Glass House Entertainment will bring me back to television. It is like a resurgence. I don’t know how they found me. But I must say that the initiative to reintroduce storytelling into modern lifestyle is a huge gain for our culture and tradition. I was driven by this vision. I see a lot of energy from the producer and that excites me.
I want to help to remind our children the roots of our rich culture,” he said.
Solanke, 73, who was honoured as one of Nigeria’s living legends early this year, stated that he was not retiring just yet as he had more plans for arts and the entertainment industry.
“I am setting up a ten-acre village for arts in my home town. Work is going on there as we speak. This is where I am retiring into. There will be a lot of plantain to take home for those of you that will visit. I also want to go back to acting. I really want to, he said.
Nevertheless, the 30-minute African storytelling Television show will be aired on pay channels from October.
The producer and CEO, Glass House Entertainment (GHE), Ayo Alaba Idowu, said the organisation is set to revamp the entertainment industry.
“We are going the extra mile. We are ready for the African/Nigerian entertainment industry,” he said.