Been A Billionaire's Daughter Has Its Pros And Cons, Says DJ Cuppy

Cuppy during Quilox re-opening

Ifeoluwa Florence Otedola, beautiful daughter of famous billionaire, Femi Otedola is currently creating a buzz, not as a top executive in one of her dad’s blue-chip companies but on the entertainment scene. Going by the moniker, DJ Cuppy, the 21-year old has shown her dexterity at some of London’s top nightclubs and gigs. She has equally dazzled many at other well known clubs in Paris, New York and Dubai.  A law graduate of the Kings College, London, DJ Cuppy is already pursuing a Master’s degree in a highbrow New York University, United States of America.

With the accolades pouring in at home, Cuppy is already thinking of sharing her creative talent with others on the continent. Recently, the entertainer announced that she will be plying her trade in some Africa countries with a month-long, 8-country gig in August.

The African tour tagged, ‘DJ Cuppy Takes On Africa’, would be the first time any DJ on the continent is touring Africa. She will display her mastery of turntable starting with Nigeria and then Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa.

The tour, back by two of Africa major brands, GT Bank and Dangote Foundation, will kick off in Lagos on 1 August and will wound up in Johannesburg, South Africa on 29 August.

“It has always been in my plans to go around Africa doing my thing and I am glad we will be doing that soon,” DJ Cuppy said.

An upbeat Cuppy said she hope to use the opportunity of the tour to satisfy her thirst for discovery and know more about the countries she would be visiting.

“Exploring Africa and its vast culture has always been a dream of mine. I am so excited to discover the music, the people and soak in experiences from this tour. My trip will allow me to know more about the youth in other countries and I can relay my experiences as I go along,” added Cuppy who will also involve other young acts from those countries where she will be performing.

 
We refresh you with an interview our correspondent had with DJ Cuppy at a breakfast meeting at the Protea Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos last year.

How was growing up? 

I had a very eventful childhood and most amazing time of my life. I had a very colourful childhood. As a child, I was very rebellious and this must have been the reason why I decided to be a DJ. My parents have always been wonderful and loving. They kept me on my toes and challenged me to excel in whatever I do. They made me do a lot of creative things. They encouraged me to develop interest in arts and music which I think can explain the kind of person I am now.

How did your foray into music and disc jockeying craft evolve?

It is something that I started from age 16 because I have always had a love for music. But I have never thought it would end up as a career for me. In fact, no one could have told me I would have a single out right now.

How has the response been like?

I am so thrilled with the acceptance and feel so super blessed.

What was your parents’ reaction when they discovered that you are leaning towards entertainment?

I am lucky to have supportive parents. What stops young people from following their passion is the lack of support, not necessarily financial support. I have the most amazing team and people around me always advice me. I am not trying to become someone else but just being myself. My parents push me to be a better version of me. Every time, I have an event, my dad always drops all to support me.

You recently launched the House of Cuppy, your music label. Why did you set up the company?

I have always wanted to do my own thing whether creative or not. I got that entrepreneurial spirit from my father. However, with my job, I have been so fortunate to travel around the world. And everywhere I visited, I noticed that we underestimate the power of music here in Nigeria. In other climes, people use music to interact and as far as Nigerian musical content is concerned, there is so much potential here. That’s why I started my music company. I want to take Nigeria music to other places that have different sounds. I want to have a company that will give opportunities to African artistes. I want to create a platform to launch them into the world scene. It is great that I have a talent, but how do I commercialise it? That is why I am doing my Masters in New York, United States. I will be concentrating on music business. I am looking at the legal side of entertainment. A lot of music artistes waste away because they are not well protected. So, my 10-year plan is to bring all these into the Nigerian entertainment scene.

What informed your decision to remix that Wole Soyinka’ song “I love my country”?

I am just so excited to have the opportunity to remix such a meaningful song. I have always been a fan of Nigerian Highlife music and fascinated by Uncle Tunji Oyelana as an artist and have always appreciated his songs. When I decided to try something adventurous, I started making house remixes of old Yoruba records. Having tried out a few, but there was just such an empowerment about that song voiced by Uncle Tunji Oyelana.

But don’t you think remixing that song in a Techno/House style will kill its originality?

I don’t think so. As a producer, the sound I create is called Neo-Afro-beats best described as a fusion of electric, house and Afro-beats.

In your mixes, I noticed that you experiment with different genres. But what would you say is your favourite?

I listen to all types of music, which is a reflection of my personal taste.

Tell us things about your father that most Nigerians do not know?

My father is someone I have always looked up to all my life. I have always known him to be very hard working and passionate about his business. He is very kind-hearted and humane. I am constantly hoping that I will end up being at least half of him, even if I can’t be close to who he is. My father is always challenging himself. He is a very loving person and very creative. He is very passionate about his business and loves what he does. Being a very busy businessman can be very demanding and places some restrictions on one’s social inclinations. But my father is very sociable and he still loves to interact with people. He always has inspiring words for anyone he comes across.

Cuppy with her dad, Femi Otedola

What about your mom?

My mother has been very influential in my upbringing and she has really made a great impact on my life. She has a very endearing personality and I find her very admirable in the sense that she has always manages to juggle her roles as a wife, mother and business entrepreneur so perfectly. Honestly, I love and respect her for that. I can talk to my mother about anything. She relates with me as a friend and she encourages me to do well for myself, do well for other people and be the best in whatever I do.

How have you been able to juggle your sheltered life with your work as a DJ?

It was not so easy to juggle my personal life with my work. But I have been able to adjust very well. I am very much aware that everything I do has an impact on those around me. I am very careful to make sure that when I am conducting things or making comments about issues, I think about other people. There is a thin line between what you do and who you care about. So, it is very important that I align with these two factors. I believe what adds to what I am talking about is that my father is very passionate about what I do as well. Also, things can overlap, but at the end of the day, my work should speak for itself. And I want people to respect me for my talents and not because of my dad’s wealth.

Would you say being a billionaire’s daughter is a blessing or burden?

In life, there are always a good and bad side to everything. There are opportunities and there are things I miss out as regards my personal life. Anybody that thinks being a billionaire’s daughter is an advantage must also remember there are disadvantages.

How are you able to ward off guys’ overtures?

I am very focused on my work. When I am doing my job, it is like there is no one else in the room. It is about being principled in such a way that people will want to relate with you based on the intellectual substance in you, not because of my physical outlook or pedigree.

So, you have no time for guys now?

I have always loved to meet people. But right now, my priority is my work.

You seem to have carved a niche for yourself as toast of high profile clients. Your fees must be in that high end range too?

Certainly. It is a job and I have to get paid for my services because everything runs at a cost. I am running a business. It is very important for me to remind myself that it is a business and I am determined to grow it into an enviable height. Although, it is a creative craft, it is a job that comes with a lot of costs. So, I expect to get paid for it.

What is the hardest part about being a DJ?

It has to be my non-existent sleeping pattern and suffering jet-lag as I travelled most of the time. But that comes with my job. I love to discover new places and cultures because I think they are both inspiring and educational.

What’s your best feeling being a DJ?

Seeing a packed dance floor always gives me excitement. It means I’m creating a great atmosphere and making people feel good and forget about their worries.

This interview was conducted by FUNSHO AROGUNDADE and published on August 22, 2014 by PMNEWS