In the vast landscape of Nigerian cinema, where dreams collide with reality, actor Ray Adeka weaves a captivating tale of unexpected success. His journey from a random monologue to a lead role in the Showmax series ‘Wura’ is a testament to the serendipitous nature of the entertainment industry.
In an exclusive interview with Nollywire, Adeka, a rising star in Nollywood, openly shared the story of his casting journey. His voice echoed with nostalgia as he recounted the pivotal moment that reshaped his career. The monologue, initially a creative exercise, turned out to be the key that opened the door to ‘Wura.’
“I posted a monologue on my Instagram page, and Rogers Ofime, the producer of the show, stumbled upon it. Then I got a DM,” Adeka revealed, his words laced with disbelief at the unexpected turn of events. This digital encounter paved the way for a virtual reading, a journey from Abuja to Lagos for chemistry and screen tests, and ultimately, his crowning moment as Jeje in ‘Wura.’
Reflecting on this fortuitous twist of fate, Adeka mused, “It was towards the completion of the project that I found out that Ofime had always said I would be the one playing Jeje. And I’m happy I did a good job playing the character.”
While Jeje seamlessly intertwines with Adeka’s identity, his filmography includes notable works like ‘Love and Life,’ ‘The Wrong Side of Goodbye,’ ‘Let Karma,’ ‘Olive,’ and ‘A Thousand Ways to Break a Cheating Man.’
‘Wura’ stands as a milestone in Adeka’s career, a testament to his resilience and talent. “It hasn’t been easy, to be honest—the fears, the worries, and the anxieties. But I’m grateful to be here,” he admitted, commenting on the challenges behind the glitz and glamour of the showbiz world.
The widespread popularity of ‘Wura’ has thrust its cast into the limelight, garnering admiration and fan interactions. Adeka, alongside co-stars Scarlet Gomez, Toluwani George, and Iremide Adeoye, has been humbled by the overwhelming support from the Nollywood audience.
Sharing his astonishment, Adeka recounted, “Trust me, I have had weird and random fan interactions that I can’t single anyone out. But the most shocking one was when, during the few times we left the set for the mall, even with a face mask on, people still recognised me. I was shocked.”
Returning to Abuja after the whirlwind of fame, Adeka realised the impact of ‘Wura’ on his life. “When I returned to Abuja, where I live, I visited a friend who owns a fashion design store. Within a few minutes, his store was filled with a crowd. That was when it also dawned on me the huge acceptance the show received,” he recounted, acknowledging the blessings that came with the project.
For Adeka, the lines between his on-screen character and real life blur, revealing a shared struggle. “Jeje came from a humble background. Even though he operates unconventionally, I can connect with some of his struggles,” he shared, drawing parallels between himself and the character. “The way my personal life aligns with that of Jeje is that never-give-up attitude. Jeje doesn’t give up. And as an actor, not giving up despite numerous challenges is what has gotten me here. On that ground, I can align with Jeje,” Adeka concluded, offering a glimpse into the resilience that propels both him and his character.
Closing the interview on a contemplative note, Adeka shared his outlook on the future, expressing a willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of his acting career. “I mostly leave myself open to possibilities. A monologue I randomly did in my car got me my role in ‘Wura.’ So, I’m keeping it open and willing to embrace whatever and wherever this career takes me,” he affirmed, leaving us with a sense of anticipation for the next chapter in Ray Adeka’s remarkable journey in Nollywood.
