Dj Cuppy

Who is Dj Cuppy?

Cuppy is a lot of things. A DJ, producer and creative. The thing about being a creative is that there are no limits and no walls.

When did you 1st realize you could Spin?

DJing isn’t something you can just do, it takes a lot of practise and time. I’ve always loved all types of music so when I turned 16 it seemd like the perfect thing to do. I bought my first pair of 2nd hand decks and the rest is history.

How difficult was it to convince your Parents you wanted to be a Dj?

It wasn’t that difficult to convince them that I wanted to DJ. The main problem they had is that they wanted me to finish my education while started. I found it difficult to juggle everything at first but looking back I’m so grateful about it. Education is so important.

What was the turning point in your career?

Turning point in my career was going on tour last summer. The ‘Cuppy Takes Africa’ tour took me to 8 different African countries. It was spectacular and has raised the bar for any future projects that I plan to embark on.

What have you found to be the ultimate price of success?

I think opportunity costs… Always having to make tough decisions which often means you miss out on other things. Sometimes, these others things are time with family and friends.

As a Songwriter where do you get inspiration from in writing?

I get inspiration from all my travels and from the people I meet. I’m fortunate to have a great job that takes me to fantastic places around the globe. I love getting to know different cultures and soaking in inspirations from them.

What’s your favorite process in bringing your song to life?

The whole process is amazing but I love when I listen back and compare a rough beat to a finished product.

For readers who haven’t heard you Spin or your Music,explain your sound?

To do this I think I have to explain a bit about me. I’m a very proud Nigerian and lived there until I was 9. From there I moved to London where I lived until I finished my degree. Now I live in New York where I’m doing my Masters. This has definitely contributed to my music and my sound. I love fusing African music with a Western sound. I’m all about bridging the gap between Africa and the west.

Your favorite thing about being a Dj?

I love feeding off the crowd. Every gig is different because the crowd is always different. I think of myself as a performance DJ and any performer would say the best part of being a performer is performing.

On a scale of 1-10, how difficult is it to become a DJ? Do you need certain skills?

DJing is a skill itself so it’s definitely something you need to learn. It takes a while to become good. I would say on a scale it would be 10. Along with DJing it’s also about the industry itself. We all know the music industry is one of the hardest industries to get into, it takes a lot of hard work and determination.

If you were to open up for an Artist on a Gig/Tour who will it be?

I would love to open up for the likes of Calvin Harris, David Guetta and other well-known DJ’s. They take their craft very seriously and have raised the standard of DJ-ing.

Favorite Songs/Artist on your Playlist?

Honestly, It changes all the time. As a DJ I think it’s important to love lots of different music so I’m always trying to listen to different types of music.

Most treasured moment in your Career?

I think Cuppy Takes Africa was definitely one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had so far. Along with a show in every country I performed in we also did some charity work. It was so great to meet so many inspiring young people.

• www.cuppy.co.uk (bookings@cuppy.co.uk)
• Twitter: @cuppymusic
• Instagram: @cuppymusic