Veteran actor Jide Kosoko discusses his long career in Nollywood, the impact of piracy, and why he doesn’t consider himself rich by Nigerian standards

Veteran actor Jide Kosoko, with over 60 years of experience in Nigeria’s thriving Nollywood industry, has shared that despite his fame and extensive career, he does not consider himself rich by Nigerian standards.

Appearing on *The Honest Bunch* podcast, the 71-year-old film star reflected on his journey, the challenges faced by the industry, and the issue of piracy that has significantly impacted the financial well-being of many actors.

Kosoko, who began his acting career as a child in 1964 with the television production *Makanjuola*, explained that while he is grateful for his success and the ability to sustain himself, the idea of being wealthy remains distant.

“I have been in this industry for this long. I thank God that I can eat three square meals. But can I claim to be a rich man by Nigerian standards? No,” he stated candidly.

Despite his illustrious career in Nollywood, featuring in countless English and Yoruba language films, the actor noted that piracy has been a significant roadblock to actors’ financial success. Kosoko urged for stronger measures against pirates, who continue to rob creators of their hard-earned profits.

“The punishment in the copyright law for piracy is still not strong enough as far as I am concerned. Somebody who has been pirating people’s works for years is a billionaire, so how much do you want to fine him?”

Kosoko argued. “Fine him N500 million, and he will just bring it out of what he has sold. But if you attach a 20-year jail sentence to it with no option of a fine, people will refrain from piracy.”

Kosoko’s comments reflect a growing concern in the Nigerian film industry over the long-standing issue of piracy, which has hindered the ability of filmmakers and actors to fully benefit from their work.

As the Nigerian movie industry continues to grow, the need for stronger legal protections and harsher penalties for copyright violations has become a hot topic among industry stakeholders.

Through his decades of experience, Jide Kosoko has become one of Nollywood’s most respected figures. His career has spanned multiple generations, and he remains committed to advocating for better protection of intellectual property rights in the entertainment sector.

Kosoko’s reflections shed light on the reality that fame does not always equate to wealth, especially in an industry plagued by piracy.

As the conversation around piracy and its impact on Nigerian cinema continues to grow, the actor’s call for reform is a timely reminder of the challenges facing many in the industry.