DJ Cuppy
Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola (born 11 November 1992), professionally known as DJ Cuppy, or simply Cuppy, is a Nigerian disc jockey and producer. She is the daughter of Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola.[1] She grew up in Lagos and moved to London at the age of 13.
DJ Cuppy | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola. |
Born | Lagos, Nigeria | 11 November 1992
Genres | Afrobeats |
Occupation(s) | |
Instrument(s) | Mixer |
Years active | 2013–present |
Labels | Red Velvet Music Group |
Website | http://djcuppy.com/ |
Early life and education
Cuppy lived in Ilupeju for six years before moving to Ikeja where she attended Grange School, Ikeja. She then relocated to London for her GCSEs and A-Levels.[2] She graduated from King's College London in July 2014, with a degree in business and economics.[3][4] She also earned a master's degree in music business from New York University in 2015.[5][6] Cuppy studied for a master's degree in African studies at the University of Oxford, matriculating in 2021[7] and graduated in 2022.[8]
Career
In 2014 Cuppy was the resident DJ at the MTV Africa Music Awards in Durban.[9] She then played at the Tatler and Christie's Art Ball in London,[10] and at the Financial Times Business of Luxury Summit in Mexico City.[2][11]
In July 2014, she released House of Cuppy as her first compilation mix in London and Lagos,[12] before launching it in New York on 2 September 2014.[13][14] With House of Cuppy, she produced EDM-esque remixes of songs by leading afropop artists.
That same year, Cuppy also launched the London-based music management and content production business, Red Velvet Music Group.[11]
In January 2015, Cuppy was featured on the cover of the Guardian Life magazine. The cover celebrated a new generation of African women.[15] In March 2015, Cuppy was named the official DJ for the 2015 Oil Barons Charity in Dubai, and became the first African act to perform at the event.[16] She was featured in the 2015 April/May issue of Forbes Woman Africa.[17][18]
In June 2015, Cuppy released House of Cuppy II.[19]
In August 2015, Cuppy set off on her first DJ tour to 8 countries in Africa, titled “Cuppy Takes Africa”. She visited Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa. The “Cuppy Takes Africa” tour included performances, major artist collaborations, and charitable engagements supported by GTB Bank and the Dangote Foundation.[20] Later that year, she interned at Jay-Z's Roc Nation.[21]
In October 2016, the "Cuppy Takes Africa" tour aired on Fox Life Africa as an 8-episode documentary series. In 2016, Cuppy was the resident DJ for MTV2's Uncommon Sense with Charlamagne Tha God.[22]
She produced two songs, "Vibe" and "The way I am", which appeared on the "Afrobeats" EP by Young Paris which as released on 24 March 2017.[23]
On 13 October 2017, she released "Green Light", her first official single. The song features guest vocals from Nigerian singer and producer Tekno.[24]
On 30 March 2018, she released "Vybe", her second official single. The song features guest vocals from Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie.[25]
On 24 August 2018, she released Currency,[26] her third official single featuring L.A.X.
On 5 October 2018, she released Werk,[27] her fourth single featuring Skuki.
On 19 April 2019, she collaborated with Kwesi Arthur for her fifth single Abena[28]
On 16 August 2019, she released Gelato,[29] here sixth single featuring Zlatan.
In 2020, Cuppy was inducted into the Forbes Magazine's 30 under 30 class.[30]
On 28 May 2020, she became the host of ‘Africa Now Radio’ on Apple Music Beats 1[31]
On 16 July 2020, she released Jollof On The Jet, her seventh single featuring Rema & Rayvanny.
On 24 August 2020, she unveiled her debut album Original Copy.[32]
In February 2021, she partnered with Apple Music to launch their first radio show in Africa.[33]
In September 2021, Cuppy was announced as one of the cast members for the Channel 4 reality TV show High Life, a show focussing on the careers of British West Africans.[34]
From January until August 2022, Cuppy hosted the Sunday version of BBC Radio 1Xtra's breakfast show with the Saturday one hosted by Swarzy formerly of Kiss Radio. They both replaced Remi Burgz, who went on to replace Yasmin Evans on 1Xtra's weekday lunchtime show.
Artistry
In an interview with Tush Magazine, Cuppy described her sound as "Neo-Afrobeats", which is a fusion of Electro house and Afrobeats.[35][36]
Personal life
Veganism
On 14 April 2020, DJ Cuppy revealed on Twitter that she was a vegan.[37][38] Lately, Cuppy who during the COVID-19 period received a special gift of a Ferrari Portofino worth ₦80M from her father,[39] also announced that she is now a house owner in the United Kingdom, London which she named PinkPentHouse. She made it public on 8 April 2021. This received a lot of reactions on social media[40] and was featured on MTV Cribs.
Relationships
In November 2022, Cuppy got engaged on stage to Youtuber/BMX Rider Ryan Taylor. The pair have since married and live together in Dubai. But sadly, the duo are no longer together as they both unfollowed each other on social media.
Philanthropy
In July 2018, Cuppy launched the Cuppy Foundation.[41] The following year (November 2019), the foundation organized the Gold Gala and raised over N5bn for the Save the Children initiative Nigeria.[42] Nigerian businessman Dangote and her father donated to the cause.[43][44]
Ambassadorship
In April 2014, Cuppy was appointed by Nigeria's Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation (Edem Duke) as the tourism ambassador for the country's "Fascinating Nigeria" campaign.[2][45] Cuppy became one of Pepsi's DJ ambassadors alongside 3 others in Nigeria..
On 20 March 2018, Cuppy was announced as an Official DJ Ambassador for Pepsi.[46] She appeared in Pepsi's "#NaijaAllTheWay" all star commercial ahead of the 2018 World Cup.[47][48]
On 5 June 2018, Cuppy was announced as a Global Citizen Education Ambassador.[49]
On 28 November 2018, Cuppy was announced as an Ambassador For Save The Children UK.[50]
On 28 July 2021, Cuppy was announced as an Ambassador for Lagos SDGs Youth Alliance.[51]
Discography
Album
Title | Featured Artistes |
---|---|
Epe | feat. Efya |
Jollof on the Jet | feat. Rema & Rayvanny |
Wale | feat Wyclef Jean |
Feel Good | feat. Fireboy DML |
Cold Heart Killer | feat. Darkoo |
Original Copy (Interlude) | |
Karma | feat. Stonebwoy |
Litty Lit | feat. Teni |
54 | feat. Julian Marley & Sir Shina Peters |
Guilty Pleasure | feat. Nonso Amadi |
P.O.Y. | feat. Ycee & Ms Banks |
Labalaba | feat. Seyi Shay |
Singles
Title | Artistes | Year |
---|---|---|
Green Light | Cuppy featuring Tekno | 2017 |
Vybe | Cuppy featuring Sarkodie | 2018 |
Currency | Cuppy featuring L.A.X | 2018 |
Werk | Cuppy featuring Skuki | 2018 |
Abena | Cuppy featuring Kwesi Arthur, Shaydee, Ceeza Milli | 2019 |
Gelato[52] | Cuppy Featuring Zlatan Ibile | 2019 |
Jollof on the Jet[53] | Cuppy featuring Rema and Rayvanny | 2020 |
"Karma" | Cuppy featuring Stonebwoy | 2020 |
Fkn Around | Cuppy featuring Megan Thee Stallion | 2020 |
Litty Lit | Cuppy featuring Teni | 2020 |
References
- "DJ Cuppy congratulates dad on sale of Forte Oil, asks what is next for him". Legit.ng. 21 June 2019.
- "DJ Cuppy: I Love Travelling Because I Learn So Much". This Day Live. Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- "DJ Cuppy Graduates from King's College London". Hip Hop World Magazine. Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- "DJ CUPPY FEATURED IN FORBES". This Day Live. Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- Egole, Anozie (15 October 2014). "DJ Cuppy joins Roc Nation!". Vanguard. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- "She Did It! DJ Cuppy is a Graduate of NYU". BellaNaija. 17 May 2016. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
- Olonilua, Ademola (18 October 2021) DJ Cuppy celebrates matriculation into Oxford University. The Punch. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
- Powell, Rebecca (3 April 2023). "DJ Cuppy announces £100,000 to support African graduate students". Cherwell. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
- EGOLE, Anozie (14 August 2014). "My parents are pushing me to be the best – DJ Cuppy, Femi Otedola's daughter". Vanguard. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- "DJ Cuppy in Stella Jean – Tatler UK Magazine x Christie Inc Art Ball in London". Bella Naija. 13 June 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- Nwanne, Chuks. "Nigeria: Dj Cuppy – Younger Otedola Outside Black Gold". All Africa. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- "DJ Cuppy Releases Star Studded "House of Cuppy" Compilation Mix". Bella Naija. 25 July 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- "Denrele, BOJ, Tiwa Savage & More Attend DJ Cuppy's House of Cuppy Launch in New York [PHOTOS]". 360 Nobs. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- "Tiwa Savage, Dj Obi, Dija, Denrele & more attend House of Cuppy NYC Launch". Scoop. Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- "DJ Cuppy, Yemi Alade, Fade Ogunro Look Sexy on the Cover of Guardian Life". 360 Nobs. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- "VIDEO: Cuppy On A Mission – Dubai, UAE". c. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- Odusanya, Yemisi Sophie. "DJ Cuppy always wondered why the DJ was a man". Cosmopolitan. Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- "Forbes Woman Africa Features Nigeria's Popular Female DJ, Ife Florence Otedola". Zelafrica. Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- "DJ Cuppy Remixes P-Square, Wizkid & More In 'House Of Cuppy II' Mixtape". OkayAfrica. 26 June 2015. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
- Cuppy, DJ. "Cuppy Takes Africa! Announces Continent-wide Eight-city Tour". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
- Tayo, Ayomide O. "Rapper hangs out with DJ Cuppy at Roc Nation office". Pulse. Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- Cuppy, DJ. "Nigeria's DJ Cuppy Takes Her Place on US Stage with MTV2 Appearance". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
- "Cuppy on Instagram: "Check Out The New "Afrobeats" Album By @YoungParis 🎼🌍🎤💎 Got 2 Records Produced By Me!!! 🔥"". Instagram. Archived from the original on 24 December 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
- "New Video: DJ Cuppy & Tekno – Green Light". Bella Naija. 12 October 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
- "DJ Cuppy unveils Sophomore Single "Vybe" featuring Sarkodie | Watch on BN - BellaNaija". www.bellanaija.com. 30 March 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
- BellaNaija.com (24 August 2018). "DJ Cuppy releases Video for Collaboration with L.A.X – Currency | WATCH". BellaNaija. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
- "Watch: DJ Cuppy Feat. Skuki – Werk". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 5 October 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
- BellaNaija.com (19 April 2019). "DJ Cuppy drops New Music + Video "Abena" feat Kwesi Arthur, Shaydee & Ceeza Milli". BellaNaija. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
- BellaNaija.com (16 August 2019). "New Music: DJ Cuppy feat. Zlatan – Gelato". BellaNaija. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
- Mwendera, Karen (2 April 2020). "Forbes Africa #30Under30 List: Leading The Charge". Forbes Africa. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
- "Apple Music to launch its 1st radio show in Africa". AP NEWS. 28 May 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
- "DJ Cuppy, Fireboy DML Get Intimate On Set Of New Music Video". Information Nigeria. 15 February 2021. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
- "Apple Music to Launch its 1st Radio Show in Africa | Voice of America - English". www.voanews.com. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
- "Principal cast members revealed for Channel 4's new series HIGHLIFE". Channel 4. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
- "#TheAfricansAreComing! Wizkid, DJ Cuppy, Ice Prince, Seyi Shay & More Listed as Music Meets Runway '14 Artists". Bella Naija. 23 December 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- Magazine, Tush. (2015-10-19) Exclusive One-on-One with DJ Cuppy Archived 26 September 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Tush Magazine. Retrieved on 2016-02-18.
- Nwachukwu, Chiomaah Ugo (13 April 2020). "I've been Vegan for one month - DJ Cuppy". QED.NG. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
- Oloruni, Sola (13 August 2020). "DJ Cuppy poses with big fish in Monaco, says she's against eating it". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
- "DJ Cuppy and her sisters get Ferrari Portofino cars worth N80M each from their billionaire dad Femi Otedola". Pulse. Odion Okonofua. 16 September 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
- "Cuppy acquires UK house". The Nation. Ekaete Bassey. 8 April 2021. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
- "DJ Cuppy Launches Charity Foundation "Cuppy Foundation"". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 30 July 2018. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
- "Otedola donates N5bn to DJ Cuppy's foundation". Punch Newspapers. 11 November 2019. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
- "Otedola donates N5bn to daughter's DJ Cuppy Foundation, as Dangote gives N100m » Latest News » Tribune Online". Tribune Online. 10 November 2019. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
- Nsehe, Mfonobong. "Nigerian Energy Magnate Femi Otedola Donates $14 Million To Save The Children Fund". Forbes. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
- "Nigeria's Tourism Ambassador DJ Cuppy at the Financial Times Luxury Summit in Mexico". Bella Naija.
- "Winning! DJs Obi, Cuppy, Spinall & Xclusive unveiled as Pepsi DJ Ambassadors - BellaNaija". www.bellanaija.com. 20 March 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
- "Your Fave Super Eagles and Entertainers Feature in Pepsi's Naija All The Way Advert". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014). 2 June 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
- "Joy of a Father…As Nigeria's Biggest Philanthropist, Femi Otedola Serenades Daughter". THISDAYLIVE. 26 April 2020. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
- "Global Citizen Launches New Campaign for Gender Equality Because #SheIsEqual". Global Citizen. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
- "DJ Cuppy is an Ambassador for Save the Children UK". guardian.ng. 29 November 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
- "DJ Cuppy, Jumoke Otedola, Joshua Alade, others champion Lagos SDGs youth alliance". Vanguard News. 28 July 2021. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
- liano (19 August 2019). "CHECKOUT: Dj Cuppy - Gelato ft Zlatan". 9jabaz. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- "Premiere: Nigerian Star Cuppy Lives It Up With Rema And RayVanny On "Jollof On The Jet"". Complex. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
53. Joshpedia (2022) DJ Cuppy Net worth and Biography