“I Was Part of the First Set of Young Actors to Produce Home Videos” – Muka Ray

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Veteran actor and filmmaker Muka Ray has shared insights into his formative years in the Nigerian film industry, recounting how his career began in the era of celluloid films and later transitioned into the pioneering phase of home video production following the death of his father.

Ray revealed that he entered the industry at a very young age, becoming one of the earliest child actors to appear in Nigerian films when cinema productions were still shot on celluloid. According to him, his early exposure to acting laid the foundation for a lifelong career in filmmaking.

“I started my career as a kid actor. I’m among the first set of kid actors in celluloid films, then. I played Adelove’s son in ‘Taxi Driver.’ I also acted in ‘Kadara’ and ‘Jayeisimi,’” he said.

The filmmaker explained that his career took a significant turn after the passing of his father, a moment that coincided with a major shift in Nigeria’s film production style. He noted that he became part of the generation that helped usher in the home video era, which later evolved into what is now known globally as Nollywood.

“But when my dad passed, I can proudly say that I was part of the first set of young actors to produce home videos,” Ray added.

Speaking further, Ray clarified that video filmmaking was virtually nonexistent during his father’s lifetime. He credited late filmmaker Alade Aromire as a key figure who challenged the status quo by experimenting with video technology at a time when cinema projection was the norm.

“There were no home videos during my dad’s time. I looked up to the late Alade Aromire then. He was the first to discover that one could shoot on video and be projected on a big screen. That’s when we started showing our films across,” he explained.

Ray’s reflections highlight how technological innovation played a crucial role in reshaping Nigeria’s film industry. The adoption of video production made filmmaking more accessible and affordable, opening doors for a new generation of storytellers who could create and distribute content without the heavy costs associated with celluloid films.

Recalling the early days of home video production, Ray described how limited resources did not discourage creativity. Instead, filmmakers relied on speed, passion, and improvisation to bring stories to life. He revealed that his first film project was completed shortly after his father’s death, marking both a personal and professional turning point.

“My first movie was shot in 1989. My dad died in April 1989, and my film was shot in December 1989. It was titled ‘Dukia,’” he said.

Ray also shared details that reflect how far the industry has come since those early years. According to him, the cost and logistics of filmmaking were drastically different at the time, making it possible to complete productions quickly and on minimal budgets.

“Shooting a movie then cost just N2,500. It wasn’t difficult because we shot a film in just one day,” he recalled.

Today, Nollywood is recognised as one of the largest film industries in the world, with budgets running into millions and productions spanning months. Ray’s story offers a rare glimpse into the humble beginnings of the industry and the resilience of its early pioneers.

By tracing his journey from child actor to home video trailblazer, Muka Ray’s account underscores the evolution of Nigerian cinema and the individuals who played critical roles in shaping its history.

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