A veteran actor, Jide Kosoko, who recently celebrated his 70th birthday, has said that he feels fulfilled being one of the pioneers of the country’s burgeoning movie industry.
Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, he said, “As one of the pioneers of Nollywood, I feel fulfilled that we now have an industry. It is a reflection of our efforts, and I am glad that Nollywood is now the second largest employer of labour in the country”
Speaking about the challenges he faced in the early stages of his career many decades ago, Kosoko said, “The challenges I have faced are numerous. When I started acting, no parent wanted their children to take on such careers; so, it was like a tug of war, especially as I was just 10 years old. Convincing my parents was a challenge, but I was eventually able to convince them. There was a particular day I had just returned from a performance, and they were beating me in front of my house, when Hubert Ogunde (a legendary actor/filmmaker) drove past, and everyone left me to start hailing him. Someone then chastised my parents about beating me. Since then, I focused on school, attended church regularly, and did all other house chores diligently. Then, I was given a chance to attend rehearsals every weekend.”
Kosoko also advised entertainers to cut down on flamboyance, especially on set to avoid security issues. He said, “No matter the set they are recording, they should play down on flamboyance because what they are making now is not even what we are praying for. We are praying for something better and they will still move ahead. But with the little they have now that they continue to display, it is not the best but I am optimistic that with this government in place, it will get better.”
Meanwhile, the Isale Eko Descendants Union, felicitated Kosoko on his birthday, stating that the milestone age was a testament to the actor’s ‘incredible contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry’.
A statement signed by the union’s chairman, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), and sent to Saturday Beats, added that Kosoko had proven to be a distinguished figure.
The statement read in part, “His artistic endeavours have become a source of pride for the Isale Eko community and the entire nation.
“Beyond the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, Kosoko’s commitment to cultural and community engagements further solidifies his status as a cultural ambassador. The IDU acknowledges and celebrates this enduring legacy that reaches beyond the silver screen.”
