LAGOS — DJ Cuppy, who is one of the few female disc jockeys on the Nigerian scene and the daughter of the oil and gas magnate, Femi Otedola, says the music industry is still bedevilled with sexism.
Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, who goes by the stage name, DJ Cuppy, recently released her new single, Currency, featuring singer LAX, as she continues to discover a new side to her talents outside the turn tables.
DJ Cuppy is one name paving her path in a male-dominated industry and in a recent visit to Pulse, the DJ speaks on her recent music, sexism in Nigeria as well as her dream collaboration.
On what inspired Currency
“I came to Nigeria, because I had recorded a song and I wanted to put it out, but there was a change of plan as the artiste I collaborated with decided not to do the song anymore,” she said.
“So, I had to jump into the studio and record new music. So, I got into the studio, just vibing and we basically came up with Currency and LAX came up and smashed it in one hour and we shot the video a week after.
“LAX is someone I wanted to work with for a long time. I wanted someone that will make it easy for me and based on his experience he has of the industry.
“I don’t think I have the best voice in the world, but I am having fun and I think I make good music.”
In a recent interview with CNN, DJ Cuppy said she left Nigeria to realise her power and she clarified her statement with Pulse.
“What I meant was when I first started deejaying at 16, nine years ago, it was not what it is now. We didn’t have social media,” she said.
“Women were really discouraged to do things like DJing, to be in nightclubs, to be in the music industry.
“So, what I meant by that was me living in London, me living in New York, allowed me to basically value myself as a woman, because I have to say I love being Nigerian, but unfortunately there is still a lot of sexism where women are seen as second class to men.
“In every field, in the workplace, women are paid less than men, in every environment, we are just told we are not as good, so travelling and seeing my DJ skills and artistry be valued are amazing.
“But Nigeria is changing and now people aren’t shocked I am a DJ anymore. I am being told now that I am inspiring other young girls and that is amazing.”
DJ Cuppy is one who has been at the receiving end of various vile remarks on social media. Recently, she became the subject of a steaming conversation following her views on feminismand Cuppy said it does not bother her.
“I am quite good at handling criticisms. I have done it all my life, I come from quite a public family and from a very young age, before I was even DJ Cuppy, a lot of people were always looking into what I did, have kept a close eye on me, so I am well-trained to basically keep myself protected, so I do not care what people think,“ she said.
“I feel like a lot of people that criticise people literally have nothing going for them because if you did, you wouldn’t have time, it doesn’t mean I don’t listen to what people say.
“I feel like it is really important to not get distracted by the background noise, stay focused.”
DJ Cuppy mentions American rapper, Nicki Minaj as the one person she would like to collaborate with.
“It is Nicki Minaj, I am a Barbie,’ she said.
“She inspires me and she is such a rebel. I can see a bit of myself in her, always pushing the envelope, taking risks and I love her and will work towards it.” — Pulse
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