Respected Nollywood veteran Jide Kosoko has stirred conversations across the Nigerian entertainment landscape with his forthright comments about the prevalence of transactional intimate relationships in the film industry. The acclaimed actor, whose career spans several decades, shared these insights during a recent appearance on The Honest Bunch podcast, addressing a long-whispered but rarely publicly discussed aspect of the entertainment world.
Kosoko, known for his stellar performances and fatherly roles in countless Yoruba and English-language productions, did not mince words when discussing how some aspiring actresses believe that physical relationships with industry gatekeepers could accelerate their path to stardom. His remarks have ignited renewed debate about power dynamics, professional ethics, and career advancement methods within Nigeria’s thriving film industry.
I know some ladies that come into industry with determination that by the time I sleep with this person, I will get my name,” Kosoko stated during the podcast interview. The veteran actor’s comments highlight what many industry insiders have acknowledged as an unfortunate reality that has persisted despite increasing professionalism in Nollywood.
What particularly caught listeners’ attention was Kosoko’s revelation that this issue extends beyond the entertainment industry, claiming knowledge of a magistrate involved in similar conduct. This statement broadens the conversation from industry-specific challenges to wider societal issues regarding power imbalances and exploitation across professional spheres in Nigeria.
The podcast appearance represents a rare moment of candor from a respected elder statesman of Nollywood, whose career has witnessed the industry’s evolution from humble beginnings to its current status as Africa’s largest film industry. Kosoko’s willingness to address such sensitive matters may signal a shifting attitude among established figures who traditionally remained silent on controversial aspects of the industry’s internal workings.
Reactions to Kosoko’s comments have been mixed across social media platforms and entertainment circles. Some industry professionals have praised his courage in addressing what they describe as an “open secret,” while others question whether such public discussions might reinforce harmful stereotypes about actresses’ paths to success.
Rising actress Mariam Adebayo (not her real name), who requested anonymity, told this reporter: “What Mr. Kosoko said is unfortunately true in some cases, but it’s important to recognize that most successful actresses achieved their status through talent, hard work, and professionalism. The narrative that actresses sleep their way to fame is damaging to how seriously we’re taken in the industry.”
The Nigerian film industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with increased international recognition, improved production standards, and more structured business operations. However, the absence of strong institutional safeguards against exploitation remains a challenge, with many aspiring talents navigating an environment where formal casting processes sometimes give way to personal connections and power dynamics.
Film director Johnson Adeyemi notes: “While Kosoko’s comments highlight a real issue, it’s essential to acknowledge the progress we’ve made. More production companies now implement formal casting procedures, talent agencies provide representation that helps protect actors, and there’s greater awareness about professional boundaries than ever before.”
The conversation sparked by Kosoko’s comments extends beyond moral judgments to questions about structural issues that might enable such practices. Industry observers point to several contributing factors, including the oversaturated talent market, limited formal entry paths into the industry, absence of strong performers’ unions with protective measures, and economic pressures faced by aspiring talents.
Entertainment analyst Funmi Olagoke explains: “When you have thousands of aspiring actresses competing for limited roles, with no standardized entry requirements and few protections in place, conditions become ripe for exploitation. Add economic challenges to the mix, and you understand why some might feel pressured to compromise their values for career advancement.
Women’s rights advocates have used this opportunity to call for stronger institutional protections for performers across Nigeria’s creative industries. Suggested measures include anonymous reporting systems for misconduct, industry-wide codes of conduct, blacklisting of proven offenders, and greater transparency in casting decisions.
The timing of Kosoko’s revelations coincides with growing global awareness about power abuses in entertainment industries worldwide, particularly following movements like #MeToo that have encouraged greater scrutiny of how power operates in creative spaces. Though Nigeria’s film industry operates in a distinct cultural context, similar concerns about protection for vulnerable talents resonate across global entertainment sectors.
Nollywood, which produces approximately 2,500 films annually and employs over one million Nigerians, has increasingly become a significant cultural export and economic contributor. As the industry continues to gain international recognition and attract foreign investment, pressure mounts to address internal challenges that might hinder its professional development and reputation.
Beyond the immediate reactions to Kosoko’s statements, the conversation has evolved into a broader discussion about mentorship, professional development pathways, and ethical leadership in Nollywood. Some established actors and filmmakers have responded by emphasizing their commitment to creating safe, professional environments and providing legitimate guidance to newcomers.
Kosoko himself, while highlighting these concerning practices, has throughout his career maintained a reputation for professionalism and mentorship of younger talents. His willingness to address uncomfortable truths may reflect a desire to see the industry he helped build continue to evolve ethically as it grows in global prominence.
As this conversation unfolds across Nigerian entertainment circles, many hope it represents not just an acknowledgment of longstanding issues but a turning point toward more transparent, professional practices that prioritize talent and merit above exploitative relationships. The continued maturation of Nollywood as a global film industry may well depend on how effectively it addresses these internal challenges while building upon its remarkable creative and commercial achievements.
