By Babajide Awoyinfa
In the dynamic world of event planning and emceeing, success is often measured by the greatness of the event or scale of its impact.
However, for Modupe Sonayon, CEO of Dudu’s World of Entertainment, true success lies in the smiles on her clients’ faces and the satisfaction she derives from a job well done.
As a Nigeria-born event planner and MC in Canada, Modupe Sonayon has carved a place for herself in the bustling events industry of Canada. Her journey from Nigeria to Canada has been marked by resilience, determination, shaping her into the visionary CEO behind Dudu’s World of Entertainment.
Sonayon’s venture into event planning began over two decades ago, ignited by her love for entertainment and nurtured since her high school days. “I began my journey as a Kiddie’s MC, but now I handle all types of parties, “she said.
And she was also inspired by the cherished memories of her father, the late Oba Afolabi Ogungbe James, the Aholu 1 of Kweme Kingdom in Badagry West.
“My dad’s passing was a turning point for me,” Sonayon reflects. “I made a promise to myself to honour his memory by pursuing my dreams wholeheartedly and create unforgettable experiences in his honour.”
As Sonayon navigates the intricacies of balancing work, education and motherhood, she has established herself not only as a pioneer in the field, but also as a testament to resilience, dedication and unwavering passion.
“Having God, juggling work, school, and being a mother and succeeding is one thing I am proud of. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but with faith, determination and unwavering support, I’ve been able to overcome challenges and achieve my goals.
“Success for me is ensuring all my works are successful and I’m proud of myself at the end of the day. I want to see smiles on my clients’ faces and get good feedback from them. Balancing the diverse tastes and preferences of Canadian clients with the authenticity of Nigerian heritage is both a challenge and an opportunity for Dudu’s World of Entertainment.
“Whether it’s infusing traditional Nigerian music and dance into a celebration or incorporating flavours from both Nigeria and Pakistan for a cross-cultural wedding, my goal is to create an unforgettable experience that resonates with every guest,” Sonayon explained.
The Canada-based Nigerian MC’s dedication to staying atuned with industry trends and developments has been instrumental to her success. “Event coordinating and MC duties simultaneously can be demanding and stressful atimes, so I would rather delegate a colleague to be the MC while I coordinate the main event,” she said.
Through continuous learning, research and collaboration with respected peers, Sonayon ensures that Dudu’s World of Entertainment remains at the forefront of innovation and creativity.
Looking ahead, she has ambitious plans for Dudu World Entertainment. From launching her podcast, Tales by Dudu, aimed at inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs to expanding her reach and impact both locally and internationally, Sonayon is committed to leaving an indelible mark on the industry.