Though a chip off the old block, Muka Ray, son of late thespian, Ray Ejiwunmi, with his siblings in the movie industry, has exhibited a matured approach to establishing his movie career. The range of his craft has won him plaudits home and abroad and now that he’s found his voice in music, he’s wooing more fans. In this interview with BIODUN KUPOLUYI, he spoke about his passion for entertainment, his music and his romance with star actress, Iyabo Ojo.
Music seems to be taking a better part of you, are you moving from movies to music?
No, I’m not moving from movies into music, am doing both as you know all is for entertainment.
What inspired your foray into music ?
For me, IT’s all about entertainment, I believe in the entertainment industry’s dynamics. I can do anything when it comes to entertainment and music is one aspect of it. I believe if a person like Pasuma can come into acting professionally as an actor, then I can equally be a musician and a successful one too.
Can you share the experience so far?
The experience I will tell you has been interesting, very easy, I didn’t even know music is as easy because when it comes to Afrobeat, I sing like the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti and when it comes to Kennery, I sing like the late Orlando Owoh and like I said, it all come very easy.
Did you take your time to study their works?
I studied King Sunny Ade’s works very well, I also took time to listen and master the AfroJuju style of Sir Shina Peters, the classical Fuji of late Alhaji Ayinde Barrister and of course, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal.
You new album, who produced it and what is the name?
New dimension, it was produced by Bolaji Bello.
What is your album, New Dimension like, I mean the compositions, collaborations?
The album was produced by Bolaji Bello. New Dimension is a fusion of styles of music yet very serious because of the message to people of all ages. We can call it serious music yet it has a fusion of comedy because we have this Apala music, I play like Haruna Ishola and there is one Afrob song featuring the likes of Iyabo Ojo, Liz da Silva , Dayo Amusa. I also have Taiwo Hassan,(Ogogo) and Yinka Quadri, infact a whole lots of artistes are involved to give it a great feel. I have my own group, Muka Ray and His Music Band backing me up.
Do you engage in parties and concerts?
Yes, mostly concerts that is if the client can afford my fees.
Do you praise singing, is it difficult or what?
Yes, I do praise sing. It’s not difficult for me. I know the value, reward that comes from it, so I work at it because anything that involves money I always build my interest in it, even when it’s not much.
Perhaps that explains your new source wealth as reported?, has music been rewarding?
Yes, I thank God that both my acting and my music careers, are bringing food to my table and paying bills.
So which one will you say is more profitable?
Producing movies is more profitable, if the canker worm, piracy is stamped out, but if one is to compare, since music artistes engage in concerts, launch albums and bookings for engagements, music is more profitable.
