FIVE MINUTES WITH DJ CUPPY
Following the release of her latest compilation ‘House Of Cuppy II’, Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola aka DJ Cuppy is set to kick off an eight city continent wide tour across Africa. Titled ‘Cuppy Takes Africa’, the ambitious tour, which kicks off August in Nigeria, will run through the selected countries with a final stop in South Africa. For Cuppy, it’s all about her music, and her instinctive approach to her work as both a DJ and Producer, which has earned her a growing legion of fans. Recently she had a chat with Konye Chelsea Nwabogor on her knack for creating smooth and playful melodies with a touch of club synthetics.
When was your first major gig as a DJ in front of a large crowd and did you feel confident about your skills and selections at that event?
My first major gig was a Mary J Blige concert in 2013 in Lagos. I practiced so much; I just couldn’t wait. It was an honour warming up for such an inspiring woman!
There is a wide discussion on how the male gender dominates the DJ industry. What’s your opinion on this and how has this affected you?
A female DJ is really not the norm, and sometimes, people don’t like what they don’t know. But you know what? Whatever us girls do, we must do twice as well as boys to be thought half as good. Women are beginning to break into the industry and this is really encouraging.
From being a DJ, you proceeded to producing music as well. Did you start this because you wanted to express yourself or is a requirement for DJ’s nowadays?
It’s definitely true that DJ’s are becoming diverse and looking for new ways of expressing themselves. I ventured into music production in order to express myself. Producing allows me to create new music.
Do you have your own recording studio, are you self-taught or have you attended music production courses?
I am currently in the process of building my own recording studio in London. Music has always been an interest of mine so when I was younger, I took Piano lessons and played the Guitar. I would say I have a mix of both, I taught myself a lot but I have also learnt from those around me.
Do you believe that is essential to attend courses in order to become a successful DJ/ producer?
Lessons and courses are very beneficial but this comes hand in hand with the passion and zeal to want to be a successful DJ, producer or any other chosen career. This is what will keep you going on those difficult days! I did a 3-month DJ course at PointBlank in London and came top of the class. However, having said that, an organic natural approach is also very important.
Your House of Cuppy Mixtape was a success, would you like to tell us about the backstage of the production of this track and what exactly you had in mind when you produced it?
For my first edition of House of Cuppy, I drew my inspiration musically from Mary Antoinette and for this year’s House of Cuppy; I drew my inspiration from Africa. I wanted to communicate the vibrant and colourful nature of the African culture.
Can you define ‘’the Cuppy sound’’ and what should one expect to hear with your name on the record sleeve?
The ‘Cuppy sound’ as you call it, is my unique way of expressing myself, I always like to create unexpected music and challenge the listener’s ears. I’m never afraid to try new sounds. I believe that diversity keeps music alive.
In what countries have you performed so far and which gig is your all time favorite and why?
I have performed in a lot of countries, from Mexico to Kenya and so on. One of my favourites so far is Dubai. It was an honour to be the official DJ at the 2015 Oil Baron’s Charity Ball. I was given the chance to present myself as a Nigerian and an African artist; I loved being able to introduce the crowd to music with an African rhythm.
How has touring the world influenced your sets and productions?
I’m a sponge; I’m constantly learning and soaking up influences and inspirations from different culture and countries that I visit. Touring the world has allowed me to be able to keep an open mind and challenge myself musically.
This next question is one about self-reflection and self-criticism. Out of 10, 10 being the highest, what score do you rate your mixing skills, your ability to choose the right track for the right occasion and your attitude towards your growing fan base?
I would say a 6 or 7, as there is always room for improvement. I always try to make any song my own whenever I mix, I can take an Afrobeats track and mix it in a way that will interest people who have never paid attention to African music. As for my mixing skills, before every gig I spend hours preparing, I make my song choices carefully and really take my clients into consideration.
Lastly as regards my fans, I think it’s always important to stay humble and be appreciative. I love interacting with my ‘cupcakes’! They are the best.
When listening to you, your mixes encompass a vibe that seems to be influenced by many different genres. How has being a Nigerian influenced the kind of music you like to play?
Being Nigerian influences every aspect of my life including music. I remember as a young child I would listen to Nigerian records being played in my Father’s car and bop my head to it. Till date I love hearing the rhythmic beautiful African melody; it brings back memories of my childhood.
Whatare you top three favorite tracks of all time?
It’s really very difficult to say! I mean I’m a DJ; and so I am open to the diversity of musical sounds and so I always explore new ones and attach myself to them. But I suppose, ‘Yellow Fever’ by Fela Kuti could be considered a childhood memory. That song made me fall in love with music.
What was your first ever-musical festival experience and how did it go?
I remember going to Notting Hill Carnival in London when I was 16. What an experience! All the creative things going on inspired every single one of my senses. I try my best to go every year.
What is next for you?
Next for me right now is my eight city African tour. ‘Cuppy Takes Africa’ is a project that aims to create a sense of oneness through music.
Where do you see Cuppy in the next 10 years?
World domination!