She is creative, clever and cheerful and recently booked her own time slot on Fox Life for Cuppy Takes Africa, a compelling and nail-biting reality show.
Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola is a Nigerian DJ and music producer and the daughter of oil magnate billionaire Femi Otedola, and she is more commonly known as DJ Cuppy.
The show takes DJ Cuppy to eight countries in Africa including Johannesburg, where she networks with promoters to put a concert together in just 72 hours.
But more than just entertainment, she will be empowering local talent and engaging charities – focusing specifically on girls’ schools and empowering young women across Africa.
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What are you trying to accomplish through the series?
I give viewers a chance to experience the sights, sounds, drama and all the fun through my eyes.
When did you decide you wanted to be a DJ?
I started at 16 and my parents were very supportive. They have constantly challenged and motivated me to grow and be a bigger and better version of myself. They said if I can chase my career while being a dedicated academic, why not?
What deeper meaning does music have for you?
Music is healing to me. DJs have the power to control people’s emotions and give them an escape from their daily struggles and worries. That’s the best part of my job – making people feel good. I wouldn’t trade that feeling of satisfaction for the world.
Tell us more about Cuppy Takes Africa. What was it like putting shows together in eight countries in just 30 days?
Cuppy Takes Africa is the most ambitious project I’ve ever done. Both the planning and the process helped me grow both as an artist and as a young African woman. The people I met inspired me; we have an amazingly gifted continent.
What can viewers expect from the show?
It is an amazing visual experience about my journey around the continent as I take entertainment and empowerment from country to country and viewers get to go on this ambitious adventure with me.The show is very interesting; I’ve accepted the fact that different people will get different things out of it.
However, the main essence is to use my story to inspire other people. I think it’s important to realise we are all here for a reason. Life isn’t just about following one path. It’s much more exciting and purposeful than that.
We each have unique talents and gifts, things to offer the world.
Mine is DJing.
You visited Johannesburg, how was it?
I love Johannesburg, I’ve been a few times and it’s always a good time; I DJed at Club Harem in Rosebank. Jozi knows how to party. favourite hotels in the world, the Saxon Hotel, Villa & Spas, which allows me to also get away from the craziness.
Talk to me about your love for charity?
I believe that “From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life…” I must use my talents to also make an impact on other lives. I work very closely with the Dangote Foundation, who have done remarkable projects around the continent, including scholarships through Cuppy Takes Africa.
What other qualifications do you have?
I’ve have a Bachelors degree in Economics from King’s College, London, and I recently graduated from New York University with a Masters in Music. Education is a must.
Who do you draw inspiration from?
This ranges from DJs to writers to non-creative ideas. I think it’s important to have various influences as we are constantly growing and therefore keep developing. I always say, be a sponge: soak your mind and ideas up.
What’s the fondest memory that you have of music at a young age that would have possibly sparked your love for sound?
I’ll never forget sitting in the car with my dad in Lagos traffic; hearing Yellow Fever by Fela Kuti. That song made me fall in love with music.