Popular Nollywood star Ray Emodi has announced his departure from the Nigerian film industry, revealing that traumatic on-set experiences and family pressures forced him to step away from acting.
In an emotional Instagram video shared with fans, Emodi disclosed that he had filmed in dangerous conditions, including in a town troubled by violence where gunshots could be heard during production.
“I have stopped acting in films. I quit. There was a time I never thought I would say that sentence… but I won’t lie,” he said.
The actor recounted shooting a movie in an unnamed location plagued by unrest.
“We were literally hearing gunshots.
There was like a craziness going on in the town next to our town, and we were still shooting,” he revealed.
Emodi admitted that the decision to leave Nollywood has not come without consequences. According to him, his family does not support the move, citing concerns about reputation and longstanding family values.
“It is a family with strict rules and a reputation to protect… I respect their decision, and I won’t do anything that would bring any stain to the name,” he said.
The actor, who previously took a brief hiatus in 2023 due to anxiety-related struggles, noted that prioritising his mental well-being became non-negotiable.
Despite describing some of his time on set as the “best experiences” of his life, Emodi said turning down film offers was necessary.
“It is not easy to say no… but I had to stop saying yes,” he added.
Now pivoting fully to music, Emodi assured fans he is not disappearing from the spotlight but reinventing himself.
“I love music. I have always loved music. I make good music. I want you guys to come with me on this journey… I am not leaving you. I am just going to make music.”
At the height of his acting career, Emodi shared the screen with Nollywood heavyweights such as Mercy Johnson-Okojie, Uju Okoli, and Ruth Kadiri in several productions, earning a strong following particularly on YouTube.
His exit marks a significant shift for one of Nollywood’s prominent digital-era actors, as fans now await his next move in the music industry.
