Jide Kosoko is a Nigerian actor, producer and director. He began his professional career at age 10 and has remained in the Nollywood industry for more than five decades. Jide is one of the pioneers of the Yoruba movies and has featured in numerous films. Also, he is a versatile artist who delivers his role perfectly.
Jide Kosoko Biography
Prince Jide Kosoko was born on January 12, 1954 to the Kosoko royal family of Lagos Island. He grew up in Ebute Metta, Lagos and attended Yaba College of Education, Yaba where he studied Business Administration. Also, at age 60, Jide attended Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State where he studied Performing Arts.
Jide Kosoko Early Career
Kosoko began his acting career in 1964 at age 10. He acted in a stage play titled Makanjuola. Jide was invited for the audition to take up a lead role in the play and luckily, he was picked.
The stage play Makanjuola was produced by the Ifelodun Traveling Theatre Group. Jide never relented, he worked with the troupe for about eight years before forming his eponym titled group, Jide Kosoko Theatre Company in 1972.
Subsequently, he became prominent after participating in a
pidgin English program titled, Awada Kerikeri. He did the television program
with other prominent artistes like Lanre Hassan, Oga Bello, and Sunday Omobolanle.
As a producer and director, some of his works include Asiri Nla (1992), Olorire (2003), Eje Adegbenro 1&2 (2006), Broken Chakkels (2017) e.t.c. Similarly, he has worked with prominent artistes like Ini Edo, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Jim Iyke, Rita Dominic, Genevieve Nnaji, Desmond Elliot, Sam Loco Efe, Majid Michel, RMD and many more.
Jide Kosoko Personal Life
All his life, Kosoko has been married to four women. Three out
of the four are late including Henrietta who was an actress until her demise in
June 2016. Jide is now left with Alhaja Karimat.
Also, the veteran actor is blessed with children and grandchildren. Some of his children are also artistes doing great in the movie industry.
Movies
Jide Kosoko has also starred in over hundred movies and television
series. Some of them include;
- Nkan
La, 1992 - Oro
Nla, 1993 - Koseegbe,
1995 - Dirty
Game, 1998 - Hatred
1-3, 2001 - Valentino
1&2, 2002 - Alani
Counsellor, 2002 - Family
Crisis 1&2, 2003 - Perosoko,
2003 - Arewa
Okunrin, 2003 - Koroba,
koraba, 2003 - Ori,
2004 - Omo
Britiko, 2004 - Perfect
Murder, 2004 - Caretaker,
2005 - Deadly
Affair, 2005 - Olufunmi,
2005 - Durodola
1&2, 2005 - Aimasiko
Eda, 2006 - Abeni,
2006 - Ologbon
Meji 1&2, 2006 - Ile
Itura, 2007 - Edunjobi,
1&2, 2007 - Nkan
Agbara, 2008 - Jenifa
1&2, 2008 & 2009 - Omo
Iya Meta Leyi, 2009 - The
Figurine, 2009 - Bolode
O’ku, 2009 - Farrayola,
2009 - I’ll
Take my Chances, 2011 - The
Meeting, 2012 - Last
Flight to Abuja, 2012 - Dr
Bello, 2013 - The
Department, 2015 - Thy
Will Be Done, 2015 - The
Royal Hibiscus Hotel, 2017 - Funke,
2018 - King
of Boys, 2018 - Merry
Men: The Yoruba Demons, 2018 - Kasala,
2018 - Voiceless
Scream, 2018 - Rant
Queens, 2018 - Reunion,
2019 - The
London Slaves, 2019 - The
Bling Lagosian, 2019 - Father
of the day, coming soon
Awards and Recognition
Jide Kosoko started as a member of the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners. He became a PRO and subsequently the President. Also, he has been nominated for several awards, and has won a few of them. Some of which include;
- Lifetime Achievement Award, City People Movie Award, 2017
- Special Recognition Award, City People Movie Award, 2018
Jide Kosoko Net Worth
Austine media estimated his net worth at $700,000. Jide Kososko is one of the richest and influential actors in the movie industry.
He is an ambassador to a popular juice production company, Chivita. In 2016, he endorsed MeritAbode Limited, owners of Emerald Estate. Additionally, he became a brand ambassador for Western Lotto in 2017. He signed the deal along with other prominent entertainers like Olu Jacobs, Osita Iheme, Zack Orji, Ramsey Nouah, Alex Usifo, 2face, Olamide and AY Makun.
Jide Kosoko Quotes
“Upgrading is important; people need to train continuously
to ensure that their skills don’t become outdated.”
“Ambition will make people establish other associations, and
it will make them think they have better ideas than their leaders.”
“If you want to be a successful actor, then get trained
regardless of how talented you think you are.”
“An actor must be versatile regardless of the language
barrier.”
“Apart from being a celebrity, there is a need for you to
look good always. You must be presentable.”
“Endeavour to do well, don’t cut corners, there will surely
be a way when there is consistency.”