‘I was rascally as a youth’

After more than four decades as an ace actor, he still occupies a commanding height in the movie industry. A role model to many young actors, veteran actor, Prince Jide Kosoko, who is one of the pioneers of the motion picture industry in Nigeria and member of the Board of Trustees BOT of Theatre Arts Motion Pictures of Nigeria (TAMPAN), in this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, speaks on his sojourn into acting, among other issues.

You recently clocked 65, how do you feel as a still wax stong as an actor?

I am very happy and grateful to God for the grace and gift of life. At times, I wonder if my parents actually knew my age because I think I am strong to still claim 55. But, I humbly praise Almighty God for his grace.

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You have been in the industry for a very long time. Can you recall how you went into acting?

I am 55 years old in the industry. I started professionally precisely at the age of 10. In those days, no parent wanted their children near such profession.

How were you able to convince your parents?

It was through force; I was a very rascal boy to the extent that I used to taunt masquerades and throw stones at them and I was easily spotted because I was the only one that was light in complexion among my peers. I got a lot of beating and I played a lot of pranks. I usually sneaked out of school. In fact, I was very stubborn.

What actually attracted you to the theatre?

As I said earlier, I was rascally and my rascality, coupled with the fact that I lived in the same community with some of Hubert Ogunde’s children at Alagomeji in Yaba, Lagos, made me a though person. I lived precisely at the Queens Street; so, I was used to some children of Ogunde; I had access to his studio, his house and of course, my mum was also close to some of his wives. After sometime, I led and managed George Ogunde’s group and I also led the group.

Would you say that your status as prince from a prominent royal family in Lagos influenced your career through the years?

My dad in those days would say, ‘Jide, you’re a prince; you should be entertained and not you entertaining people.’ But I was able to overcome the pressure from my parents through hard work and my stubbornness.

How would you describe your career so far?

I have been able to give my best since I ventured into acting. Even without anyone’s acknowledgment, I know I’ve done creditably  in acting within and outside the country. I’ve worked in Europe, Asia, America and several  other places. This has also given me enough exposures. I’m contented that I have impacted greatly in the industry, but I am not fulfilled because the industry has not got to its rightful place, despite all our efforts.

When we were building the industry, we struggled a lot. I’m happy that through God’s grace, I’ve been part of the people that are at least reaping the gains one way or the other, no matter how small it is. Some of our colleagues have gone; some are nowhere, but for God to have considered me to be here, I’m so grateful. I’ll be fully fulfilled when the industry attains a world standard. We are working hard to ensure the industry takes its rightful place. We will not rest on our oars. Also, we want the government to provide necessary support to take us to the next level.

What have you been doing lately?

I have a film production which I have been postponing for some years now as a result of fund; the production requires N300 million. The story is centered on the era when the  British were in power in Nigeria. The title of the movie is Ogun Awoyaya.

What are your plans for the industry as one of the pioneers of the movie sector?

We will continue to aspire that the industry gets better even in our life time. We have to make sure we have a voice and common goal that can stand to regulate our industry.

What is your assessment of the activities of TAMPAN president Mr Latin since he emerged, how do you think he can move the guild forward?

TAMPAN is the strongest indigenous association and I am proud to be part of the association. Also, the present president, Latin, it is unarguable that he is up to the task; even before he became the president. He has undergone different training and we know his track record. We know what is right. He’s well-behaved, respectful and focused, even in his private life. He is doing well and we are solidly behind him and have pledged to give him the maximum support to excel.