Jide Kosoko Opens Up About Struggles In Nollywood Despite Six Decades In The Industry

Iconic Nollywood Star Reflects on His Journey

Let’s talk about a true legend in the world of Nollywood. Jide Kosoko, the veteran actor who’s been in the game for over six decades, recently opened up about his career and the challenges he’s faced along the way. In a candid conversation on "The Honest Bunch" podcast, Kosoko revealed that despite his long and illustrious career, he hasn’t exactly struck it rich. He’s comfortable, sure, but by Nigerian standards, he doesn’t consider himself wealthy. That’s a pretty humbling admission from someone who’s been in the industry for more than half a century.

Piracy: A Major Threat to Nollywood's Growth

Now, let’s dive into one of the biggest issues that’s been haunting the Nigerian movie industry for years—piracy. Jide Kosoko, at 71 years old, has seen it all, and he’s not shy about calling out the problem. He emphasized how piracy has severely impacted the industry and has called for much stronger penalties for those involved. Kosoko shared his thoughts, saying, "I’ve been in this industry for such a long time, and I’m grateful for the life I’ve built. But can I say I’m rich by Nigerian standards? Absolutely not." And he’s not wrong. The harsh reality is that piracy has stolen opportunities and profits from countless creators.

He went on to explain that the current copyright laws just aren’t cutting it. "The punishment isn’t strong enough," Kosoko said. "We’re talking about people who have been pirating movies for years and have become billionaires. How much of a fine do you think is going to stop them? You fine them 500 million naira, and they’ll just pay it out of what they’ve already made from illegal activities." He believes that attaching a 20-year jail sentence with no option for a fine would be a far more effective deterrent. "That’s the kind of change we need," he added.

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A Career Spanning Over Half a Century

For those who might not know, Jide Kosoko’s journey in the entertainment world began way back in 1964. He started as a child actor in a television production called "Makanjuola," and from there, his career took off. Over the years, he’s graced the screens in countless Nollywood movies, both in English and Yoruba. His versatility and talent have made him a beloved figure in the industry. But despite his extensive body of work, the challenges he’s faced, particularly with piracy, have left a lasting impact on his career and the industry as a whole.

So, as we reflect on Jide Kosoko’s incredible journey, it’s important to recognize the struggles that many artists in Nollywood face. Piracy isn’t just a problem for one person—it’s a challenge that affects the entire industry. And as Kosoko so eloquently points out, change is desperately needed if we want to see Nollywood continue to thrive.