Nigerian-born actor Solanke is fast becoming a rising star in international cinema, with his breakout role as Ryan Adebayo in Netflix’s BET series, which premiered in May 2025 and quickly gained global acclaim.
Appearing on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Solanke shared his journey from Lagos to London, and eventually to Winnipeg, Canada, where his acting career took root.
Born in Nigeria, Solanke moved to England at the age of two after his parents sought better opportunities for their children. He spent ten years in the UK, where he dabbled in community theatre alongside his brother—initially as a hobby rather than a professional aspiration.
However, things changed dramatically in 2015 when he relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba. Surrounded by a thriving film community, Solanke’s passion for performance deepened, and he gradually transitioned from amateur productions to professional roles.
Speaking about his experience on BET, Solanke described how he personally related to the character of Ryan Adebayo, a young man wrestling with invisibility and isolation. “That was very interesting exploring,” he said, reflecting on how his own emotional journey echoed the character’s internal battles.
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The actor also expressed a strong interest in returning to his roots through Nollywood. When asked if he would star in a Nigerian film, he replied with optimism, saying he “hopes so,” suggesting a future collaboration with the Nigerian film industry may be on the horizon.
Solanke also opened up about his work in horror productions, admitting he had initially underestimated the emotional demands of the genre. “It’s not for the weak,” he noted, referring to the psychological toll of filming disturbing scenes—even from behind the camera.
Since making his feature debut in Tales from the Hood 3 in 2020, Solanke has gone on to appear in Sniper: Rogue Mission and Clown in a Cornfield. But it is his role in BET that has launched him into international recognition.
As Solanke continues to build a career marked by depth, versatility, and authenticity, he remains rooted in the experiences that shaped him—balancing fame with the quiet resilience of a journey that began far from the global spotlight.