Actor and singer Ray Emodi has clarified that his decision to step away from acting was not caused by traumatic experiences or pressure from his family, contrary to earlier reports.
Speaking during an interview on Television Continental (TVC), Emodi explained that he simply chose to concentrate on music, which he believes is his true calling.
Addressing the earlier claims, he said:
“You mentioned that I left acting because of traumatic experiences and family pressure, but that’s not the case. I never really quit acting. I only paused to focus on what I believe my real calling is, which is music.”
Emodi revealed that his passion for music started long before he began acting. According to him, he had already spent about a decade making music before entering the film industry.
“I’ve been writing music since my primary school days. I attended International Nursery and Primary School in Enugu, and everywhere I went, including when I moved to Los Angeles for school, I was always recording music.”
He also disclosed that his decision to study acting in Los Angeles was partly strategic. The actor said he used the opportunity to obtain a visa that would allow him to pursue a potential music career in the United States.
“When I returned to Nigeria in 2015, I later went to Los Angeles to study acting, but the truth is that it was a strategy. I needed a visa to enter the United States to try and secure a record deal. You can’t easily get a visa for music school, but you can for acting school. So I enrolled at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles while trying to break into the music industry.”
However, when that plan did not work out, Emodi returned to Nigeria and continued pursuing music while acting to support himself financially.
“I kept releasing songs, but the money didn’t come immediately. So I used acting to earn income that helped me pay for studio sessions, producers, engineers, and music videos.”
Although acting initially brought him fame, Emodi said his ultimate goal is not popularity but making a meaningful impact through his music.
“Most people know me from acting because that’s what first gave me fame. But music will eventually bring even more. Still, fame isn’t what matters most to me. What truly matters is the impact. When you impact people’s lives, the fame and money will naturally follow.”
