CUPPY
Interview with Cuppy
Today we are interviewing Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola – @cuppymusic on Instagram (born November 11, 1992), professionally known as DJ Cuppy, or simply Cuppy, is a Nigerian celebrity, disc jockey, managing her own record label (Red Velvet Music Group).
Cuppy is a Global Citizen and Save the Children ambassador and the welfare of young people is close to her heart. She started The Cuppy Foundation in 2018 and the Foundation’s Cuppy Gold Gala raised $17 million to help displaced children across Nigeria.
Last year, Cuppy was also featured into the Forbes Magazine’s 30 under 30 class.
A philanthropist and a stylista, this pink-haired muso believes it’s important for young people to go on the wild side and step out of the cages of their comfort.
Question: What’s the best quality to have in order to follow a musical career? Why?
Cuppy: One word, Passion! In order to thrive in the music business, you have to be really passionate about the musical career you choose. Passion is what gets you out of bed even when the ‘payoff’ seems far off. On days when things and people make you question your vision, it’s only your innate drive and love for what you do that would push you to keep pressing on regardless. Almost everything you do factors into your growth, so being a hard worker is like an added advantage. Your zeal/passion is what keeps you committed enough to keep putting in work.
Question: If you had to give yourself an advice when you were a child, what would it be?
Cuppy: I’ll say “block out the noise and trust my guts more”. I’ve realized over the years that my instincts directly push me towards the best path. Being a very self assured individual, I mostly know what I want and map out strategies to achieve my goals. But honestly, like everyone else, I get swayed by external opinions and mostly ended up wishing I stuck with my instincts. Confidence in my capabilities has brought me thus far and I’ve learnt to run with that.
Question: What’s the greatest gift that you got from your parents?
Cuppy: My parents are in simple terms, God’s immeasurable gift to me. I feel super blessed to have the most phenomenal humans as parents. Their love for me is unparalleled and I’m immensely grateful for that. Being very business inclined individuals, they taught and instilled in me all the qualities that’s making Cuppy thrive as a business and a brand.
Question: What was the most memorable gift you received?
Cuppy: My sweet boys, Dudu and FunFun Otedola. I recently got myself pomeranian puppies and they’re one of my best decisions ever. Juggling my new mummy role has been quite tasking but their snuggles and cuddles make it all worthwhile. It has been the most amazing experience so far
Question: What has become more important to you in the last few years and what has become less important?
Cuppy: It has always been family first for me, this has not changed and never will. I’m sustained by their constant love and support. Behind Cuppy the brand is Ifeoluwa the woman and they are the bone behind that. Due to the pandemic, I have even more appreciation for them; they are my lifeline.
On the other hand, I’ve learnt overtime to pay less attention to the negative comments and criticism. Instead I focused on perfecting my craft, turning critics to cupcakes.
Question: What interesting thing are you working on?
Cuppy: I have been working on a couple of different secret projects I can’t share now but I am so excited about them. The Cuppy brand has always been about shattering stereotypes and pushing through limits. I’m currently looking forward to my next physical performance since the pandemic. It’s been such a long time and I’m literally counting down days with my cupcakes.
Question: What is your motto for life?
Cuppy: There are two very simple yet insightful quotes I live by, “You were born an original, don’t die a copy” and “Do what you love to do so you won’t have to work a day in your life.”
Both are hinged on being your authentic self and doing what makes you happy. I’ve grown from being a young girl with dreams to a woman with a global vision, creating my niche as a pink haired, strong black business woman. I am proud to have achieved this feat doing what I love and staying true to myself.
You were born an original, don’t die a copy.
