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The Story Of The Veteran Music & Movie Producer
On Tuesday 6th June, 2023 friends and family members of Tunde Alabi-Hundeyin aka Dudu gathered in Lagos to celebrate him at 70. For those who don’t know, Dudu is that great movie & music producer who rocked the entertainment scene in the 80s & 90s producing all the great music and movie videos that made waves.
Let’s tell you more about this rugged man who is the MD/CEO of Dudu Productions Limited. Tunde Alabi-Hundeyin a.k.a. Dudu, was.born in Abeokuta on 6th June, 1953 to Julius Alabi-Hundeyin and Anike Erinoso Hundeyin. He attended Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro., and he studied Political Science at the University of Ibadan, though he took electives from Theatre Arts, where he spent most of his time.
He began acting in 1974. He played the role of Agbako in Langbodo, written by Chief Wale Ogunyemi. This role earned him fame among friends and lecturers alike. During his National Youth Service in Rivers State, he also led the state’s musical troupe to the Second World Black arid African Festival of Arts and Culture FEST AC U77 in Lagos.
After graduation from the University of Ibadan, he was employed as a pioneer staff at Ogun State Television (OGTV) in 1981, having been transferred from the State Ministry of Information, while in OGTV, he rose to become the Controller of Programmes and also Produced and Directed several Television Dramas under OGTV’s Telly Drama Weekly Episodes.
In 1989, he resigned to start Dudu Productions, the television production company which produced a lot of top music artistes in the 80’s and 90’s. He produced his first music video for Terra Kota, the pioneer reggae artist in Nigeria, in 1987. He produced Sir Shina Peters’ Ace album, regarded as the first commercial music video in Nigeria in 1989.
He has since produced a number of Nigerian music acts, including Sunny Okosun, Majek Fashek, Onyeka Onwenu, Christy Essien Igbokwe, Adewale Ayuba, Wasiu Ayinde, Orits Wiliki, Blacky, Chris Okotie to mention a few. His work influenced an entire generation of Reggae, Pop, Juju and Fuji music lovers in the entertainment industry all over Nigeria in 90s.
He also produced and directed box office hits like Iyawo Alhaji in 1994 followed by Ami Orun in 1996. In 1983, he directed Ireke Onibudo produced by Bayo Aderohunmu making him one of the youngest Nigerians to have filmed on celluloid.
He has worked with a lot of big names in the film and movie industry like – Akin Ogungbe, Jide Kosoko, Clarion Chukwura, Sola Fosudo, Toun Oni, Dele Odule and Charles Olumo.
In 2000, Alabi-Hundeyin made a foray into politics joining the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) and won an election as the Chairman of Badagry Local Government in 2002.
A multiple award winner, he had won awards such as the Nigerian Music Award, Sony Music Awards, Fame Music Award, The Movie Awards as well as Distinguished Veteran Awards. Tunde Alabi-Hundeyin is married with 5 sons (Tunde II, Lekan, Tope, Sola, and Bolu) and a daughter (Sessi). Below are the tributes from family members, friends, celebrities & politicians.
WHAT SEN. IBIKUNLE AMOSUN WROTE
I convey my sincere felicitations to you, on the occasion of your 70th birthday, on Tuesday, 6 June, 2023.
I acknowledge the numerous accomplishments you have recorded in the media and entertainment industry in Nigeria, where you carved a niche for yourself as a renowned television and film producer, director, and screewriter. The positive impact you made during your broadcasting career at Ogun State Television (OGTV), Abeokuta, and most importantly, through your reputable television production company, Dudu Productions, is also worthy of note.
I join you in celebrating the attainment of this milestone age and also in thanking the Almighty God for His goodness in your life. It is my prayer that the good Lord will grant you many more years, in good health and the fulfillment of your heart’s desires.
WHAT OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA WROTE
Of the few people who I am acquainted with and who successfully married politics with arts, Tunde Alabi-Hundeyin is one.
In my reckoning, he must have been one of the best Council Chairmen that ever ruled one of the biggest and most historically relevant Local Government Areas of Lagos State.
But at the same time, he stands prominent among those who seemingly called it quit with political involvements.
Before venturing into politics, he had made his mark as a icon of the Nigerian Entertainment Industry. DUDU Productions became household name and his imprimatur are on many of the works of entertainment that have defined the Nigerian arts stage.
Little do many know that Dudu produced many of the popular songs and television series of the 80s and 90s. For a man who had brought so much joy into homes, what is it we cannot do to celebrate him after seven decades?
SIR SHINA PETERS
Dudu is not just a friend but a wonderful brother.
He contributed a lot to my career. I recall he was the one that did the musical video of my works including; • Ace • Shinamania • Dancing Time • Experience • My Child and many more.
My brother may the Almighty God be with you, protect you and always guide you. Long life with good health. Congratulations.
HOW CAN I WRITE MY STORY WITHOUT
YOUR NAME?
Egbonmi, Tunde Alabi-Hundeyin, Happy birthday to you.
I am so happy for you as you clock 70 years in life. May you attain 80 years, 90 years, 100 years in good health and wealth.
How can I write my story without your name? You have done well for me and you have done very well for the entertainment industry in Nigeria. Go will continue to bless you and your family in Jesus Mighty name. Amen.
Enjoy your day! I love you so much! Igba odun, odunkani!
-Adewale Ayuba
WHAT TEJU
KAREEM SAID
Our Dudu,
Just like a dream, here you are on the 7th floor. Having attained the 3 scores plus one, you deserve to be celebrated and congratulated.
Therefore, on behalf of the management and staff of Zmirage Multi-Media Limited, we are delighted to felicitate with you on this special attainment of your 70th birthday anniversary, It is the Lord’s handiwork, and we join you to appreciate his awesomeness.
We pray too that the Almighty God in his infinite wisdom, continue to imbue you with greater joy, treasured memories, unlimited pool of creativity, humility of the mind and above all, the desire for endless compassion.
Welcome to life at 70. Enjoy!
We are Zmirage…the zenith of modern-day innovative razzmatazz and global entertainment.
Sincerely Yours,
For: Zmirage Multi-Media Limited
Olateju Wasee Kareem
Teju Kareem FTA,
Managing Director/CEO
THE OTHER BABA 70
There is a new Baba 70 in town and how delighted I am to be fathered by him. At 70, he will fail to acknowledge that he is old – his grasp of social media lingo and banter will give a millennial a run for their money, his analysis of politics, of society, and his indigenous knowledge is unparalleled. His mind is too deep and his wisdom too nuanced that you wonder if he could not have combined his job as a filmmaker (and politician) with being a university don, author, journalist, legislator, and lawyer.
Talking about him being an advocate and solicitor. He is such an adept ‘lawyer’, one you cannot win an argument with. f try not to try. I try and fail all the time. His multi-layered perspectives with examples enrich his viewpoints all the time. He is so full of wit, laced with an overdose of banter and humour. That humour, I think I imbibed it and my kids – Rike and Korede, and their mum – Opeyemi, think I am funny when I spin such banters at home. But when they encounter the source, they bow, and they keep reeling in laughter minutes after our phone calls with him.
This Baba 70 is a mountain of enigma, creativity, and resourcefulness. I think he fails to recognise he is an akanda (genius) or is probably humble and noiseless about it. I have learned from his proclivity for solitarian life such that even when I expect him to drown the cacophony of noisy voices in the industry by an iterative input on certain topics that seem to attempt to erase his place in history, he would respond by saying, “Tunde, ko le ye e” (Tunde, you can’t understand). That’s one of the arguments I can’t seem to win. Then three years ago I decided to create a Wikipedia page to preserve his legacies. I won on that.
He has demonstrated to us a life of hard work and hand work, skillfulness, not cutting corners or giving lame excuses, laying your own eggs/not expecting your father to knock on doors for you, dignity, wisdom, focus, passion and many more. Here is praying for many more decades of service, big projects, fulfilled dreams, good health, peace, joy and all your heart desires. Raise your glass for Baba 70!
– Tunde Alabi-Hundeyin II
& Family
TO A SPECIAL DAD ON YOUR 70TH BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday Dad,
Thank you for all the professional and life lessons you’ve taught me. Thank you for being such an awesome role model for me. You always be my Biggest Inspiration. You are a wonderful father @ 70!
– Lekan Alabi-Hundeyin and Family.
HE IS MY FATHER; HE CALLS ME, HIS PADDY
How do I begin to talk about a man that has abundance of wealth of wisdom with all shades of
awesomeness? Father of 5 men, a daughter, grand dad of 7 and counting!
Your life has been a perfect example of God’s grace and mercy.
You’re smart and intelligent. You’re a special breed of the Lord and a firm believer of God.
A great visionary and an achiever.
Young at heart and in disposition. You never give up on your beliefs and convictions.
I’ll forever be grateful for your sacrifices to me, my siblings, my wife and children.
Your words of counsel and guidance never stops moulding me…
You made our childhood interesting as you’d always make sure that you spent time with us
even with your extremely busy schedules and travels.
He is my father, he calls me his paddy.
I grew up with so much light and understanding because you showed me. Your tenacity has made me a strong man. I’m dogged in business today because you showed me.
There’s never a time I reached out to you discussing challenges that you never had the best and kind words to encourage me and in turn had a positive result.
You always have a name for everyone. My children talk about you with so much excitement knowing they have a wonderful grandfather.
On this day, I celebrate with you and I pray that the Lord will bless and increase you and-perfect all that concerns you. He will cause His face to shine upon and He will grant all your heart’s desires. In good health and abundance of wealth shall you enjoy the rest of your life.
Happy 70th birthday to you my hero.
– Tope Alabi-Hundeyin & Family
DAD! MAY THIS MILESTONE BE JUST THE BEGINNING…
Today, gathered here in this joyous celebration, we come together to pay tribute to an extraordinary man who has reached a remarkable milestone in his life. It is with immense love, gratitude, and pride that we honor you daddy on your 70th birthday.
My dad is not just a father; he is the epitome of strength, wisdom, and unwavering support.
Throughout the years, he has been the steady rock on which our family foundation was built. His dedication and commitment to his role as shaped the lives of those around him in profound ways.
Dad, your wisdom is an endless source of inspiration. Your experiences, anecdotes, and words of wisdom have guided us through the highs and lows of life. Your guidance has provided us with the tools to navigate challenges with grace and resilience.
Today, as we celebrate seven decades of your incredible’ life, we are reminded of the countless memories we have shared. From the simple joys of family, to the milestones we celebrated together, each moment holds a special place in our hearts. These memories are a testament to your commitment and dedication.
As you embark on this next chapter of your life, we want you to know that we are forever grateful for the lessons you have taught us, the love you have showered upon us, and the unwavering support you have given us. Your legacy will continue to shine brightly in the lives of future generations. Happy 70th birthday, Dad!’ May this milestone be just the beginning of another extraordinary chapter filled with increase and posterity. Today, and always, we celebrate you!
Cheers to a remarkable man. Many more years of bliss!
– Sola & Joy Alabi-Hundeyin
BABA 70, YOU HAVE BEEN A ROCK TO US ALL!
Baba 70! You have been a rock to us all and your life is an absolute example of perseverance
and grace.
You have brought a wonderful personality, clarity and discipline in equal measure, and these are traits that will stick with me the longest.
I wish you lots of happiness and fulfillment on this joyous day. May your deepest requests be granted by God in this new year…
Welcome to your new dispensation.
– Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO
MY DADDY
Happy birthday Daddy, I wish you long life and prosperity and may you continue to be blessed
everyday.
You shall not die in any form of way. You shall continue to be the head and not the tail. You will
continue to have grace, you will surpass a 100 years. May God bless you.
Happy birthday to my Daddy.
– Sessi Alabi-Hundeyin
WHAT GRANDPA
MEANS TO ME?
G -Grateful to be your granddaughter. R – Reliable for amazing advice. A – Abundant joy and laughter always. N -Never giving up on your dreams. D – Dedicated to helping others. P – Passionate about the creative industry. A – Amazing grandfather and person.
– Rike Iyun Alabi-Hundeyin
AMAZING GRANDPA
Dear Grandpa,
Happy 70th birthday. May the Lord make your charisma, laughter, joy and humour last for many more years to come. It’s so amazing to call such a special person my grandpa.
From your one and only Viyon, PS. Send us birthday food please.
– Korede Viyon Alabi-Hundeyin
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