The ‘Home from Home’ project aims to explore the legacies of pioneering British Nigerians in the UK and their impact on society. The project highlights and celebrates British Nigerian contributions to the cultural, political, educational, artistic, spiritual, and sporting life of Britain and London, in particular. In this interview we feature Tunde Adegbola, the Creative Producer, Director and Head of Business at Dark Tunes.
Tunde Adegbola is a highly accomplished and talented individual in the field of content creation, production, filmmaking, storytelling, acting, and theatre-making. He has been recognized for his exceptional work and has received a nomination for the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. Tunde is the Creative Producer, Director and Head of Business at Dark Tunes, a company he established in 2020 in Leeds, England.
At Dark Tunes, Tunde’s primary focus is on creating diverse and engaging content that spans across various mediums such as television, film, television game formats, theatre plays, and musicals. Despite having a background in Geography and Regional planning, Tunde has always had a deep passion for the arts, utilising his creative abilities to generate unique and innovative ideas within the entertainment industry.
In 2017 while still resident in Lagos Nigeria, Tunde embarked on a significant project by creating and producing his first television series titled “Relatives.” The series garnered significant recognition and went on to receive a nomination for the prestigious 2018 AMVCA. Buoyed by its success, Tunde continued to build on this achievement with a second season in 2018. Additionally, he ventured into the production of a feature-length film titled “Cluster,” which was showcased to an exclusive audience comprising of filmmakers and critics. Currently, the film is being broadcasted on multiple platforms in Nigeria.
Notably, Tunde’s talent extends beyond production as he has showcased his acting skills on stage. He has graced the stage in notable productions such as Wakaa the Musical!, both in London and Lagos editions, and Election fever” . Tunde’s versatility and expertise in multiple domains within the entertainment industry reflect his commitment to delivering exceptional content and captivating performances.
He has written, produced and directed his first musical “MW the musical!” staged over the Easter weekend at the Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music, London.
What does “Home From Home” mean to you?
Home from home to me is the presence of culture, food and entertainment from my origin present in my current country of residence, new nationality or destination. It is the ability to find home through the networks of people with similar background, watching home grown content on social media and streaming platforms and enjoying unique cultures like attending Owambe parties here in the UK.
How do you celebrate your Nigerian heritage?
My Nigerian heritage is celebrated daily by speaking my language (Yoruba) daily with family members, by identifying with other Nigerians and British Nigerians. In the stories that I tell, in how I dress sometimes (if the weather permits) and in ensuring that I do not forget that charity (not as in NGOs *Laughs*) begins at home.
What does being “British Nigerian” mean to you?
Becoming British Nigerian in a few Months means that I get to share the best of both worlds. I have the ability to create ideas and stories that cuts across both shores. I can explore my Nigerian-ness and have all the technology to make them reach a wider audience to help them see into our colourful world.
How do you stay connected to your identity?
I remember daily how I was raised and it helps me stay connected with my identity, as a Nigerian boy growing up, I was exposed to a lot of British comedy series and films which lead to me exploring my creative side and has brought about my career in the Arts and Entertainment sector.
What does culture mean to you?
Culture to me means what I share with others regardless of colour or religion. Culture is that glue that binds us all together to give that unique identity.
What do you imagine the future of the British Nigerian Community to look like in the next few years based on your industry?
The future for British Nigerian Communities in the arts sector here in England is starting to open up to more black stories being told by black film and theatre makers. There will be diversity in all art forms and this will help the creative industry blossom.
