Nollywood Actor Jide Makinde Admires Industry Peers But Doesn’t Have Role Models | The Guardian Nigeria News

Ogun State-born Yoruba actor, Jide Makinde has stated that he does not regard any Nigerian movie star as a role model.

In a chat, Makinde said he respects every filmmaker, actor and actress who have put in work to see the movie industry to the level it is today, adding, however, that he doesn’t consider them as role models following his own principles.

When asked who are those he looks up to as role models, he said: “I don’t really have any role model but I have actors I admire who are so depth in their interpretation of characters like Taiwo Hassan, Yinka Qaudri, Bimbo Akintola, Sola Sobowale, Sola kosoko, Jim Iyke, Genevieve Nnaji, Nonso Diobi and Eucharia Anunobi. These are actors that make acting look real.”

The Abeokuta brought up also revealed his journey into movies and how acting started for him professionally,

“Being an actor has been my secret fantasy since my childhood. Anytime I watch movies, I stand in the mirror and mimic the role a certain actor played and watch myself if I am doing it right. I talk to myself on the street repeating actors’ dialogues.

“I was so obsessed with being an actor. So after more than a decade, I decided to take the bull by the horns by joining the famous Odunfa Caucus group in 2009 led by Yinka Qaudri, Taiwo Hassan Ogogo and Abbey Lanre,” he said.

Speaking on how he feels working with some of the country’s biggest movie stars and his unique style of delivery, Jide said he tries as much as possible not to lose his composure while delivering his lines.

“I feel elated when I see these big stars but when we act together on set I calm myself and do the business as if it is happening for real. I try to be me. I copy no one. Immersing myself completely into the character until I hear cut.

“Being unique in my own style stands me out. Five years from now, I will be among the big names in the industry. I will produce hit movies that will compete with Hollywood standards,” he declared.

Makinde ‘s ability to bring authenticity to the characters he portrays in movies and his exceptional acting skills have continued to earn him recognition and respect within and outside the industry.

Jide has acted alongside some of the biggest movie stars of his time and even veteran actors, some of which includes, Taiwo Hassan, better know as Ogogo, Yinka Quadri, Femi Adebayo, Saheed Balogun, Dele Odule, Faithia Balogun among others.

Movies he has featured in include, “Amiwo” by Funke Akindele, “Irele” by Sunny Alli, “Eniyan Olorun” by Kunle Ibironke, “Niwoyi Ola” by Yinka Qaudri, “Baba Oja by Kehinde Adeyemi, among several others.