Muhammad Tayib, fondly known as Tay, is a filmmaker, artist, and storyteller with a passion for creating work that resonates deeply with audiences. Through his lens, Tay explores the intricate layers of human emotions and experiences, weaving narratives that uncover universal truths. As both a creator and a friend, his artistry is rooted in a commitment to connection, using storytelling to bridge gaps and inspire profound reflections.

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Please, introduce yourself, who is Tay?

My name is Muhammad Tayib, but most people call me Tay. I’m a filmmaker, artist, and creative industrialist . I’m passionate about telling stories that connect deeply with people, exploring emotions and human experiences and truths through my work.

How are you doing Tay? What emotions are you currently feeling?

I’m feeling really blessed and content right now. I’ve reached a place of acceptance with a lot of things, which has brought me a sense of peace and clarity. It’s like I’ve aligned with my purpose, and that feeling of inner calm allows me to approach both life and work with more focus and gratitude

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Do you read? What are you reading right now?

Absolutely, I love reading. Two books i’m currently reading are The Alchemist and The Lost Art of Listening.

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What are you listening to at the moment? Anything new, old, or exciting?

…Lately, there’s been so much beautiful music around. I’ve been really vibing to an artist called Brayethebadger—he’s super cool. And also alot of film soundtracks.

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What was your very first experience with filmmaking and directing? When did the dream begin?

My filmmaking journey began in university when a friend of mine had a camera. The first time I held it, I knew I was starting something I couldn’t turn back from. It felt like discovering a new language, and I became obsessed with creating, experimenting, and expressing myself visually. In 2018, I directed my first video—a poetic piece—which really sparked my passion. From there, I started making music videos for artists in school, and that’s where the dream truly took off. It’s been an exciting ride ever since.

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Did you grow up in a creative/artistic household?

Yes, I grew up in a household that really nurtured my creativity. My parents were incredibly supportive of my artistic interests from an early age. They encouraged me to explore different creative outlets, whether it was writing poetry, drawing, or building things. That freedom to express myself gave me a sense of purpose early on and made me realize that I could turn my ideas into something real. Their support played a huge role in shaping the artist I am today.

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What is your earliest memory of you being creative? and how did it make you feel?

Early on, I discovered my love for creativity through writing poetry and building things. Being able to turn ideas into something tangible gave me a strong sense of purpose. Whether I was drawing, writing, or inventing, the process of bringing something to life made me feel unique and helped me realize the power of storytelling. Those early creative experiences shaped the way I approach my work today, always seeking to express emotion and meaning through whatever medium I’m working with.

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When you start a new project, do you usually come in with any ideas or thoughts, or is it usually a blank slate? Is there a specific process or routine you follow?

When I start a new project, I always come in with a strong theme or emotion I want to explore. It’s rarely a blank slate—I’m usually driven by an idea or feeling that’s been brewing in my mind/heart. From there, I begin to write fragments of imagery and words that connect to that central theme. The process is organic, but it always starts with something I feel strongly about and hope the audience will connect to. As the project develops, I build around that core idea, adding layers of visuals and storytelling to bring it to life.

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Who was your favorite director growing up? What will a Tay and this director's collaborative project look like?

Hahahaha growing up, I was really inspired by Christopher Nolan. If  Nolan and i worked together, it would probably be a complex story with a deep focus on human emotions. We’d probably dive into themes like identity and time, blending his bold, immersive style with my own cultural and personal touch. It would be a balance of big ideas and intimate, relatable moments - maybe one day who knows.

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How have your cultural background and upbringing shaped your filmmaking style and storytelling approach?
My cultural background, growing up between Abuja and Lagos, has greatly shaped my filmmaking. Lagos instilled in me a love for community-driven storytelling, while Abuja gave me the space for introspection. These experiences influence my style, blending the richness of Nigerian culture with global perspectives. I focus on themes of identity, belonging, and human connection, creating narratives that feel both personal and universal.

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Are there any personal experiences or challenges that have significantly influenced the themes or narratives in your work?

My interactions with people across different places, from the bustling streets of Lagos to the quiet moments in Abuja, have deeply influenced my storytelling. These experiences, along with my travels abroad, opened my eyes to diverse perspectives on identity, belonging, and human connection. Through these dialogue with people, I’ve learned to seek emotional truth in my work, allowing me to craft narratives that resonate with a wide range of audiences.

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How do you balance your personal artistic vision with the commercial demands of the film industry?

Balancing my artistic vision with the commercial demands of the film industry is definitely a challenge, but I see it as part of the creative process. I start with a strong idea that reflects my vision, then look for ways to align it with what the project needs commercially.

I also try to remind myself that the commercial aspect can actually enhance my work by reaching a wider audience. Ultimately, I view this balance as a chance to grow and connect with people through my films which is the ultimate goal for me.

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How important are collaboration and partnerships, (cross-continent and cross-industry) to your work?

Collaboration and partnerships are essential to my work. Cross-continent collaborations enrich my storytelling by incorporating diverse perspectives and cultural nuances, while partnerships across industries — like art, music, and technology — open up new avenues for creativity and storytelling. I believe that filmmaking is a collective effort, and these connections not only enhance the quality of my projects but also allow me to reach a broader audience and tell more impactful stories.

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Do you believe in the idea of artists retiring?

I don’t believe artists ever truly retire. Our art forms constantly evolve, and as creators, we have a responsibility to pass on messages. Until we’re gone, we’re not retired.

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What favorite items do you own?

...My father recently gifted me a beautiful watch, which holds special meaning for me.

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Do you believe that we are masters of our own destiny?

I believe we are masters of our own souls, but our destiny lies in the hands of God.

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What is your metaphor for life?

I believe all dreams are achievable if we truly put our mind, soul and belief in God into it

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How do you deal with failure? What is the process? Has it changed over time?

I see failure as an opportunity for growth and learning rather than a setback. When I encounter failure, my first step is to reflect on what went wrong and identify the lessons I can take away from the experience. I remind myself that every setback is a chance to experiment and refine my approach.

Over time, my perspective on failure has evolved. Initially, I found it difficult to cope, but now I embrace it as part of the creative process. Each failure shapes my resilience and deepens my understanding of my craft, ultimately making me a better filmmaker. This mindset shift allows me to approach new projects with curiosity rather than fear of failure.

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