Ray Emodi Quits Acting Over Traumatic Set Experiences, Announces Switch to Music

Nigerian actor and YouTube film star, Ray Emodi, has announced his decision to step away from acting, citing traumatic experiences on movie sets and mounting family pressure.

In a video shared on Instagram, Emodi disclosed that his time in the film industry exposed him to dangerous filming environments, including a location where gunshots were audible during production.

“I have stopped acting in films. I quit. There was a time I never thought I would say that sentence for a short period of time, but I won’t lie. I have put in a lot of work in Nollywood. I shot a film in a town that I won’t mention, but we were literally hearing gunshots,” he said.

The actor explained that concerns about his mental well-being ultimately influenced his decision, despite the professional and personal consequences that followed. According to him, his family does not support the move due to their strict values and desire to maintain their reputation.

“This is a decision that has come with a lot of consequences. My family does not support this. It is a family with strict rules and a reputation to protect, which is understandable, and I respect them,” he added.

Emodi noted that while he has had some of the best experiences of his life on set, he has also faced several intense and risky situations that made continuing in the industry difficult. He admitted that turning down acting roles has not been easy but said he had to prioritise his well-being.

The actor also revealed that he is transitioning into music, promising fans quality content as he embarks on a new creative journey. “I love music. I have always loved music. I make good music. I want you guys to come with me on this journey. I love every single Nollywood fan, and I am not leaving you. I am just going to make music,” he said.

Emodi, who previously took a brief hiatus in 2023 due to anxiety, has featured alongside notable Nollywood stars such as Mercy Johnson-Okojie, Uju Okoli, and Ruth Kadiri in several productions at the peak of his acting career.