Jide Kosoko, a veteran actor with over 60 years of experience in Nollywood, has shared insights into his career and the challenges faced by the Nigerian movie industry. Despite his fame and long-standing presence in the industry, Kosoko revealed that he doesn’t consider himself wealthy by Nigerian standards. While he is comfortable, he emphasized that fame does not always translate to significant financial success, noting that he is thankful for his ability to afford basic needs but does not see himself as a rich man.
Kosoko also highlighted the detrimental impact of piracy on Nollywood, stating that it has significantly hurt the industry’s financial growth. He argued that current penalties for piracy are insufficient, suggesting that hefty fines alone are not effective. He proposed that a 20-year jail sentence without an option for a fine would be a stronger deterrent for pirates who profit greatly from pirated works.
Kosoko’s career began in 1964 when he acted as a child in a television production called Makanjuola. Over the years, he has appeared in countless films in both English and Yoruba, solidifying his legacy as one of the most respected figures in Nollywood. His comments underscore the ongoing struggle for filmmakers in Nigeria to receive fair compensation for their work, as piracy continues to be a major issue in the industry.