When Mike Magic announced that it was Dede’s birthday during the Top 4 Spectacular, he alluded to Dede being in his late 70s, Dede thanked him wryly, ‘on behalf of his generation.’

After the show, surrounded by fans and friends wishing him well - he indulged many with autographs and photographs.  The youthful Dede refused to divulge his age, but only admitted to being, “…a day older,” with his characteristic crooked grin.

He isn’t a big fan of birthdays, saying: “It [just] means the day I was born.”

However, the sprightly Judge says he is happy that he has more days ahead of him to express himself musically. “I’ve not started yet. I still have plenty of things to do in life, especially in the music industry.”

Using his birthday as a vehicle to pass a fundamental message to Africa, Dede says he will be fulfilled musically in Africa when the African music industry becomes more professional. “I will be very happy to see good management of artistes; handsome payment for artistes; respect for artistes and African musicians expressing the inherent values in the African culture.”

Commenting on his ‘Judge Dread’ persona, he drew a clear distinction between fear and dislike, saying nobody fears him but that perhaps they might not like his candid voice, yet he’s happy that there are many who also respects his views.