Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, known as Cuppy, was born in 1992 and spent her early years in Lagos. At 13, she moved to London to attend boarding school, where she developed an interest in DJing through observation. A pivotal moment came when she was 16 and visiting Lagos during school holidays. At a club, the resident DJ was stuck in traffic, and the owner, in a bind, asked if anyone could fill in. Cuppy volunteered, and with the owner’s consent, she took the decks and got the party started. This impromptu performance marked the beginning of her journey as a DJ.
Since discovering her passion for DJing at 16, Cuppy has pursued her calling with dedication and creativity. She has established herself as a multifaceted artist, exceling as a DJ, music businesswoman, producer, and vocalist. By 17, she had already gained recognition in London’s top nightclubs and events, including Fashion Week fixtures. Her international gigs have taken her to Paris, New York, and Dubai, showcasing her talent to global audiences.
Cuppy’s sound is a unique blend of House music and Afro-beats, which she terms Neo-Afrobeats. This genre-bending style has resonated with diverse crowds, from global diplomats at the Financial Times Luxury Summit 2014 in Mexico City to art enthusiasts at the Tatler UK Magazine x Christie Inc Art Ball.
In 2014, Cuppy’s reputation as a leading African DJ earned her a residency at the MTV Africa Music Awards in Durban, South Africa. This achievement came on the heels of her graduation from King’s College London with a degree in business and economics. With her talent and entrepreneurial spirit, Cuppy continues to inspire her fans, affectionately known as Cupcakes, around the world.
Following her rise to fame, Cuppy released her debut compilation, ‘The House of Cuppy’, featuring EDM-infused remixes of Afropop hits. The project’s success led to a sequel, ‘The House of Cuppy II’, which embraced a more afro-house sound. To further establish her pan-African brand, Cuppy embarked on the ‘Cuppy Takes Africa Tour’, documenting her journey in a Fox Life documentary series.
While touring, Cuppy pursued higher education, earning a Music Business master’s degree from New York University in 2015. She also interned at Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, balancing academics and her music career with ease. That same year, she became the resident DJ on MTV2’s ‘Uncommon Sense with Charlamagne tha God’.
In 2017, Cuppy launched ‘Cactus on the Roof’, a tropical rooftop party series inspired by Ibiza’s vibrant nightlife. Initially hosted in London, the party has since expanded globally, with events in Lagos, Dubai, Cape Town, and Accra, further solidifying Cuppy’s mission to take Afrobeats worldwide.
In 2020, Cuppy made history by launching Apple Music’s first Afrobeats-focused radio show, “African Now”, which highlights the continent’s diverse sounds every Sunday. Later that year, she released her debut album, “Original Cuppy”, a title chosen by her fans, the Cupcakes. The album marks a new chapter in Cuppy’s career, as she takes center stage as a vocalist, exploring themes of independence, love, and African pride.
“Original Cuppy” is a fusion of trap and Afrobeats, which Cuppy calls “neo-afrobeats”. The album was produced in collaboration with renowned producers Killertunes and Bond, and features an impressive lineup of artists, including Grammy winner Wyclef Jean, Julian Marley, Rema, Teni, and Stonebwoy. This star-studded project showcases Cuppy’s growth as an artist and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats.
Cuppy’s trajectory soared in same 2020 when she was inducted into Forbes Magazine’s esteemed 30 under 30 class, acknowledging her trailblazing work in entertainment.
In 2021, Cuppy continued to push boundaries. She enrolled in Oxford University’s prestigious African Studies program, earning her master’s degree. Her entrepreneurial spirit also led her to launch Cuppy Cuts, a luxury jewelry line.
Furthermore, Cuppy offered a glimpse into her personal life by starring in Channel 4’s reality TV show ‘Highlife’, featuring her loved ones. The year culminated with her headlining the Global Citizen’s annual conference in Dubai as a panel speaker and DJ, cementing her status as a multifaceted influencer in entertainment and lifestyle.
As a multifaceted personality – businesswoman, academic, philanthropist, and style icon – Cuppy embodies the spirit of empowerment. With her vibrant pink hair and infectious enthusiasm, she encourages young people to break free from the constraints of their comfort zones and chase their most audacious aspirations. Through her own accomplishments and passion for life, Cuppy inspires others to embrace their individuality and pursue their wildest dreams with confidence and determination.
