Nollywood actor and singer Ray Emodi has clarified that his reduced presence in the film industry was not caused by traumatic experiences or pressure from family members, contrary to earlier reports.
Speaking during an interview on TVC, the entertainer said his decision to step away from acting was deliberate, as he wanted to concentrate on music — a path he considers his true calling.
According to Emodi, the narrative that he quit acting because of personal struggles is inaccurate.
“I never quit acting,” he explained during the interview. “I simply paused acting to focus on what I believe my calling is, which is music.”
Music Began Long Before Acting
Emodi revealed that his passion for music dates back to his childhood. He said he began writing songs while still in primary school and continued to pursue music throughout his education.
He noted that he attended an international nursery and primary school in Enugu, where his interest in music started to grow. Later, while studying abroad, he continued recording music whenever possible.
“I started writing music in my primary school years,” he said. “Every place I went — including when I moved to Los Angeles for school — I was still recording music.”
Acting School Was Part of a Bigger Plan
The actor also disclosed that his decision to study acting in Los Angeles was partly strategic.
Emodi said enrolling at the New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles campus helped him secure a visa to the United States while he pursued opportunities in the music industry.
According to him, it was difficult to obtain a visa to attend a music school in the U.S., but acting programs provided a more accessible pathway.
“I went to LA to learn acting, but it was also a way to get a visa so I could try to secure a record deal,” he explained.
Although the plan did not lead to the breakthrough he had hoped for at the time, Emodi said he returned to Nigeria in 2015 and continued working on his music.
Acting Helped Fund His Music
Despite his dedication to music, Emodi admitted that financial realities initially forced him to rely on acting.
He explained that income from film roles helped him cover studio expenses, including production, engineering, and music video costs.
“I was dropping songs, but it wasn’t bringing money immediately,” he said. “So I had to use acting to earn money for studio time and other production costs.”
Focus on Impact Over Fame
While acting introduced him to a wider audience, Emodi said fame is not his main motivation.
He acknowledged that his popularity first grew through Nollywood but expressed confidence that music will eventually create a deeper connection with listeners.
According to him, his ultimate goal is to influence people positively through his songs rather than simply chase fame.
“I don’t really care about the fame,” he said. “What matters is the impact. When you impact people’s lives, the fame and money will follow.”
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