for herself as one of the best DJs in the music industry. Florence, aka
DJ Cuppy, is our celebrity for the weekend.
In a recent interview with YNaija, the beautiful entertainer who grew up in Ilupeju,
Lagos and had a cheerful and bright childhood, talked music, handling
fame, being Femi Otedola’s daughter and more.
She further talked about the poitical appointment she bagged last year…yeah, her haters need to chill cos she “worked hard for it”.
See excerpts below:
How the name ‘DJ Cuppy evolved’?
Cuppy: Such an interesting question! I used to be
called DJ Cupcake actually, back when I was 16. I mean, people used to
call me Cups, Cupstar, Cuppito, etc… As time has progressed and I became
more professionally involved in music I decided to drop the ‘DJ’ and
the ‘cake’, and ended up at Cuppy!
How do you all the attention and fame that come with being Nigeria’s first female DJ.
Cuppy: By staying true to myself and not forgetting who my parents brought me up to be.
You have accomplished quite a lot within a short time, even than several other DJs that started long before, what’s the secret?
Cuppy: I honestly think its down to God and of
course hard work and persistence. Plus I have an EPIC team behind me.
Never give up in chasing your dreams!
Staying humble despite being born with a silver spoon
Cuppy: It’s nice to hear that I’m perceived as a humble
person. I think it’s all down to my upbringing; my parents have always
encouraged us to respect and treat others, as we would like to be
treated. I had a normal upbringing and many people forget that I was
born and raised in Ilupeju!
You have travelled round the world! Which is your favorite city?
Cuppy: Yes it’s true I’ve been to amazing cities around
the world. I loved soaking myself in the Arab culture in Dubai, I also
loved visiting Nairobi, Kenya and seeing a different part of Africa. I
am hoping to explore cities in Africa a lot more and I have to say my
favorite city is Lagos! I just love coming back home.
What inspired your Marie Antoinette era theme graduation party which held last year
Cuppy: Yes it was a fantastic graduation party and
launch of the first edition of House Of Cuppy. I studied French at
school and speak French so I think that was where the Marie Antoinette
inspiration came from. This year House of Cuppy II was inspired by the
Motherland itself Africa!
Why are you still furthering your education despite having an amazing skill that most ladies cannot even boast of.
Cuppy: Yes I am currently undertaking a Masters degree
in Music Business. I believe that furthering my skills will only do more
good than harm and help to futher my knowledge in my chosen career
path. It is not just about DJ-ing, there is a business side in the
entertainment industry which I hope to be able to tap into as time goes
by which was why I started my own content and production company called
Red Velvet Music Group. I believe in educating yourself at all times, we
can never know enough!
Last year, you were appointed Nigeria’s tourism ambassador
and it sparked quite a lot of positive and negative reactions. Many
insisted that you didn’t merit the title, as it was only given to you
because of your father’s affluence and well known status quo in the
country…
Cuppy: It was an honour to be appointed as Nigeria’s
Tourism ambassador and I have thoroughly enjoyed flying the flag for
Nigeria wherever I am in the world.
I worked hard and will continue to work hard to earn a name and position for myself.
Were there ever times you wished things were different for you and didn’t have to be referred to as the billionaire’s daughter?
Cuppy: I am and will always be proud to be an
Otedola regardless of the criticisms I face. I just try to look at
things in a positive light.
Nigerians heavily criticized Governor Adams Oshiomhole
marriage to Iara Fortes last month, many claimed the new bride was in
the marriage for financial gains while several others were not pleased
with the age gap between the couple. What’s your take on this?
Cuppy: Love is something I believe is personal. You
can’t help who or what you fall in love with. Many people criticized me
for falling in love with music and not following my Father’s line of
profession but what you love is what you love. As long as it/they make
you happy!