Veteran Actor, Prince JIDE KOSOKO
Prince Jide Kosoko is by miles one of the most recognized actors in the land today. He has been acting since he was a child and has remained, not just a star actor ever since, but also one that still enjoys remarkable relevance in the industry today.
One of the things that endears Jide Kosoko to many is his likeable personality. You can’t help but like him, he is always down to earth and simply lacks the ability to walk around with chips on his shoulders.
This young looking 71 year old thespian was the star guest at the recent 60th birthday celebration of City People Publisher, Seye Kehinde. The event was held at the City People head office. Gbagada, Lagos.
Apart from being immensely talented and a multiple award winning artiste, has proven beyond doubts that he is one of Africa’s biggest exports when it comes to acting He has a crossover appeal that many other actors cannot boast of. He features prominently in both the English and Yoruba genre of Nollywood. And he is hugely respected for his outstanding craft.
Born January 12, 1954. Prince Jide Kosoko was born into a royal family, earning him the traditional title of Prince or “Omoba” in Yoruba. He comes from the Kosoko royal family of Lagos Island.
The iconic actor studied business administration at Yaba College of Technology. He began his acting career in 1964 as a child actor in the television production “Makanjuola.” He has appeared in numerous Nollywood movies in both English and Yoruba languages.
Growing up in Ebute Metta, Jide Kosoko was inspired by the success of Hubert Ogunde to pursue acting. An acquaintance working with the Ifelodun traveling theatre troupe invited him to audition for a role in “Makanjuola,” where he was cast as Alabi. Kosoko continued acting, performing with the Awada Kerikeri group, which included Sunday Omobolanle, Lanre Hassan, and Oga Bello. He also had guest appearances on the TV show “New Masquerade.” In 1972, he formed his own theatre troupe.
Jide Kosoko has written and produced his own films and stage plays, including “Ogun Ahoyaya.” He gained prominence during the video film era, producing “Asiri Nla” in 1992 and starring in “Asewo To Re Mecca” and Tunde Kelani’s “Ti Oluwa Ni’Le Part 2.”
City People Senior Editor, WALE LAWAL (08037209290) engaged this brilliant and hugely respected actor for a few minutes at the party and got him to share a few things about his relationship with City People Publisher, Dr. SEYE KEHINDE, as well as his successful career. Enjoy excerpts.
We are very delighted to have an icon like you in our midst today to celebrate with our publisher. Share with us, sir, what are your thoughts for Dr. Seye Kehinde at this time?
Seye Kehinde is someone I would describe as a complete gentleman. He is a professional to the core. Seye Kehinde has contributed in no small measure to the entertainment industry in Nigeria apart from the social circles. He is somebody we appreciate so much and if not for one or two reasons, the movie industry ought to specially recognize Dr. Seye Kehinde for all he has done. He has actually touched people and he is always there for us whether invited or not. Give Seye Kehinde one hour notice of any event, he will be there with his team and he will publish all tht happened to the delight of the celebrant’s satisfaction. He is a man of honor as far as I am concerned. He deserves every appreciation, recognition of his contributions. I appreciate him so much. In fact, I narrowly missed the church service. I got there very late. I was ashamed. I couldn’t get down from the car. I had to turn and go back.
What are your best wishes for him as he turns 60?
As you can see now, the English will say, show me your friend, I will tell you who you are. Look at him. Look at his establishment. Look at all other soft sell magazines we have in this country that started around the same time with City People, or even after him. Where are they today? So, it goes a long way that his dedication, his passion to what he is doing is extraordinary and I appreciate that about him. And I wish that for him continue that way. He is already online. His magazine is also online. I see him having a radio station. I see him having a television station. He will expand beyond this because the passion is there for entertainment, for good news. I appreciate him.
One more question on Dr. Seye Kehinde, considering his entire personality traits, which part of him do you hold very dearly the most? Which part of him do you find the most fascinating?
Very friendly. Very friendly at all times. He is always willing to help, always willing to assist with what he knows how to do best. He is always there for people. I appreciate him in that aspect. And you want me to start counting the number of artists that he has projected? No, I cannot. I will lose count. He is doing awards, he is doing all this. The fact is that the award he is doing is a continuous testimony to his passion for our industry because he uses that to encourage the people so that they can continue to do more. And look at him, when he started that award and so on. So, in everything, he leads on. Even with the various crises which befell the print media, he has survived it all. I appreciate him.
Tell us, sir, when you celebrated your 70th birthday last year January, everyone was surprised. No one could believe that Prince Gideko Soko is actually 70 years old and this year January, you have clocked 71 already. Its amazing and you don’t even look it one bit.
I don’t believe it myself (laughs). I still think there is a mistake somewhere. Maybe I am just 60. Maybe I missed the date.
Because everyone is saying to themselves, when I am 70, I want to be like Prince Jide Kosoko, he looks great at 70.
And I pray they look even better than me when they hit 70 years of age. They will even be much more younger than me by God’s grace.
Do you have any special routine?
I do nothing special, all I do is keep to some simple rules. Don’t look for what you are not capable of getting. Keep within your limits and enjoy your life.
What about your passion? You are someone that can play with the lowest set of people in the industry and the next minute you can wine and dine with the high and mighty in the society…
Yes, that’s because you learn from small, from the middle class, from the big people, from everyone. That’s what life is all about.
Does that also help?
Of course. It’s about keeping an open mind. You just try, as much as possible, leave your heart open. That’s it. But the main thing is God’s glory. It’s the grace of God.
What would you tell younger actors who want to stay as long as you have been in the industry? I started watching you from when I was pretty young and till today, you’re still here, standing with us and still active in the industry…
They must be dedicated, they must be focused on their craft. They must display professionalism at all times. Let me tell you something, people’s orientation differs. In as much as people can actually be looking for money, yes, I know money is key. When you are working, you want to make money. You want to succeed because you have other plans, that’s fine. But they must be passionate about this job. Your passion for what you do matters most. Well, our lifestyle is different. I’m not saying I don’t love money, I love money. I love the good things of life too. But my own money is never a do or die thing. Let me just be able to satisfy myself, satisfy my family and to God be the glory. You must always do the job to the best of your ability and leave everything else to God. I think resilience and focus is the key for your longevity as a young actor.
What is the secret of your longevity?
Hard work, dedication, passion. That’s what helped me. Those are the necessary things. You need to be very dedicated to your craft. You have to be so much interested in what you are doing. Even if you don’t plan to be an actor, maybe you studied medicine in the university, but you eventually find yourself in this constituency, for God’s sake, endeavor to love it. When you love it, you will do well.
