Before Stardom With…Sola Kosoko

Nollywood Actress, Sola Kosoko

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Briefly tell us about yourself.

I am Sola Kosoko, a Nigerian actress and filmmaker, and the daughter of veteran actor Jide Kosoko. I hold a degree in Sociology from the Olabisi Onabanjo University.

What informed your acting career?

I was born into the world of filmmaking because my father is an actor, producer, filmmaker and director. Naturally, I began acting at a very young age, seven.

My first appearance was in a movie produced by Otunba Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, in 1987.

When you grow up in a movie-making environment, it is almost impossible not to face the camera at some point.

After that, I didn’t feature in films for a long while, but I remained involved in stage performances and related activities.

My next screen appearance was in secondary school, and I featured in several films whose titles I can’t even recall now. I appeared in more movies after secondary school, particularly those produced by my father.

Which movie shot you into the limelight?

Omo-Olorire, one of my father’s productions, brought me into the limelight between 2000 and 2001. Afterwards, I featured in many more films, all before I gained admission into university.

When did you decide to go into professional acting?

I started enjoying acting long before gaining admission into the university. Throughout my university days, I combined acting with my studies. After graduating, I continued professionally, largely influenced by my father’s background in filmmaking.

How did you feel the first time you appeared on a movie set?

As I mentioned, I grew up in a movie-making environment. I often saw people acting around our home and neighbourhood. So, my first time on set wasn’t difficult.

Were you nervous or jittery?

I wasn’t really nervous. I simply did what I had to do under my dad’s direction. Of course, it wasn’t perfect at first. I had a few corrections, but I caught on quickly because I had been learning from the cradle. I remember being applauded twice while on set, and that encouraged me to keep going.

What challenges did you encounter on your way to stardom?

Well, there weren’t too many challenges, except that I started very young. At that time, I didn’t have a car of my own, so getting to locations was always stressful. If I had to travel, I relied on my father’s car and his driver, which wasn’t always easy. There was also the issue of envy. People would get angry with me for no reason, simply because I was Kosoko’s daughter. I had to navigate all of that.

How were you able to overcome these challenges?

I blended into the system and became part of it. I eventually got my first car, a Honda Bullet, and later acquired more. As for the envy, over time, people realised that my siblings and I were humble, and they began treating us normally. Today, I am a boss, managing several people and students in my academy.

Is life any different with stardom?

Absolutely. Gone are the days when I could do whatever I wanted. Now, I have a life to protect. I’ve always been carefree.

I used to stop by the roadside to buy roasted plantain, but that’s no longer possible. Wherever I go, people recognise me. My car has to be tinted because fans or strangers might either hail me or try to embarrass me. Some even demand money, and if I cannot meet their expectations, they can become unpleasant.

Stardom has deprived me of the freedom to walk the streets unbothered. I usually wait until evening to go out, and even visiting the market is difficult because people expect special treatment. Thank God for boutiques, though; I can still shop there for clothes and shoes without too much fuss.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I see myself improving every day, taking on more cinema work, and expanding my podcasting projects. I have a major podcast set to launch in January next year. I encourage my fans worldwide to watch it on my YouTube channel and to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms.

What advice do you have for upcoming actors in the country?

My advice is simple: passion is key. Anyone entering the movie industry must have a genuine love for it, because passion is what keeps you going when the road gets rough. Determination, focus, good character, hard work, and prayerfulness are also essential. If you combine these qualities, you will succeed.

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