Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, better known as DJ Cuppy, a Nigerian disc jockey and singer, has disclosed that she created the Cuppy brand separate from the Otedola name in order to motivate younger women.
Cuppy, who is one of Femi Otedola’s daughters, said in an exclusive interview with BBC News Pidgin that she has been able to create her identity and brand independently of her father’s fortune.
She described herself as a DJ, artist, philanthropist, and student, and added that despite her hard work, people still believe she is supported solely by her father’s fortune. She went on to explain that she created her business outside of her family name so that others would be inspired to work hard and not rely on others.
She said, “People do not understand me, they think I am enjoying my life but I work hard and it is not an easy one. My own way of thinking is that everyone has one life to live. Many people think that because my father is rich, or because I grew up abroad, I have forgotten my roots but I was born in Lagos; Lagos is my home.
“What motivates me the most is the young people in the country, People suffer every day. I built Cuppy away from the Otedola name so I can motivate others. I want every young girl on the street to know that you can work hard and make it in life. When I see young girls say that they want to be like me, I feel like I have to build my legacy outside my family name and as a woman, I must lead by example.”
She also discussed the challenges that come with becoming a disc jockey, saying, “I still struggle with different things, people talk about my DJ skills, how I don’t know how to dress, how I’m single, and many other things but for me, it is important you do what you want to do. I believe in God and I know God has given me the opportunity to fulfil my great destiny.”