Veteran Nigerian actor and filmmaker Muka Ray has shared insights into his early career, revealing that he began as one of the first child actors in the country’s film industry.

Ray recalled his roles in classic celluloid films such as ‘Taxi Driver’, where he played Adelove’s son, as well as ‘Kadara’ and ‘Jayeisimi.’ He explained that after the passing of his father, he became part of the pioneering generation that ushered in Nigeria’s home video era.

“There were no home videos during my dad’s time. I looked up to the late Alade Aromire, who discovered that films could be shot on video and projected on big screens. That’s when we started showing our films across the country,” Ray said.

He also recounted his first home video project, ‘Dukia,’ which he shot in December 1989, just months after his father’s death. With production costs at only N2,500, Ray recalled completing the film in a single day, marking the humble beginnings of Nigeria’s thriving video film industry.

Ray’s journey highlights the transition from celluloid to video, and the resilience of early filmmakers who laid the foundation for Nollywood as it exists today.