Exclusive Interview #1: DJ Cuppy

With the release of her Brand New Single ‘I Love my Country’ and her first-ever EP on the way, DJ Cupcake now called DJ Cuppy is all the hype right now! This twenty one year old show-stopper granted me an Exclusive Interview. Check it out below:

When asked whether she would describe herself as Nigerian, Cuppy exclaimed, “Omo Yoruba le mi oh! I would certainly call myself a Nigerian, more specifically, a Lagosian. My family originates from Epe and I go there a lot!” She spoke about how she grew up in Ilupeju and as an adventurous and mischievous child she stated how her “parents definitely had a handful…and still do!”

Considering that parents and children alike argue that finding good schools in Nigeria is slim- to-none; I wondered which schools Cuppy attended. She informed me that she went to Grange School in Ikeja and the American International School in Victoria Island. However, she lives in London now focusing on attaining her degree in Business Management at Kings College London.

I’m sure some of you reading may be asking why the name DJ Cupcake? Trust me I wondered too. However, this is something that Cuppy prefers remains a secret. My guess is that it could be anything from her love of cupcakes to her wanting a unique name. Regardless of the reason, I like it! Cuppy seems to be in love with music. She has always had a passion for it and was producing music from the tender age of thirteen. For most music lovers, it seems like they are their happiest when playing and creating music and Cuppy is no exception.

Reading various articles, everyone seems to be harping on about the fact that Cuppy is Mr. Femi Otedola’s daughter. I don’t think that has anything to do with her obvious talent. Cuppy stated that that time tells all. ‘‘It’s very easy to get distracted from the music itself and focus on the background “stuff”, but [she] can only hope that overtime [her] talent and music will speak for itself!’’ And I couldn’t agree more.

Cuppy explained to me what inspired her to do the mix of ‘I Love my Country.’ “I have always been a fan of Nigerian Highlife music, so Tunji Oyelana is an artist I’ve always appreciated. The sound I create as a producer is called Neo-Afrobeats. This is best described as a fusion between Electric House and Afro-beats. Deciding to try something adventurous, I started making house remixes of old Yoruba records. Tried out a few, but there was just such an empowerment about Wole Soyinka and Tunji Oyelana’s “I Love My Country” record. I’m so excited to have the opportunity to revive such a meaningful song.”

Is she single? To all the guys out there Oya, remove your eye! This gorgeous young lady is married to her music. Between University work and playing at various events, she doesn’t have any time. Not to worry, if you just happen to see her, she might just give you a second or two; use it wisely!

When asked about her piece of advice to anyone trying to chase their dreams and incite change in Nigeria. She stated, “I'm still learning a lot myself, but it would definitely be to realise that we are all here for a reason. Life isn't just about education, work, consumption or death. It's much more exciting and purposeful than that. We each have unique talents and gifts, things to offer to the Nigerian Demographic. Don't be afraid to try new things and make new mistakes to learn from.”

Clearly she is a strong believer in chasing your dreams no matter what! Cuppy is still on an experimental path and I can see that she hopes to make a difference and inspire others.

Check out Cuppy's feature in Dammy Krane's new banger, Lobatan:

Stay blessed and inspired,

G

For Bookings: www.cuppy.co.uk (bookings@cuppy.co.uk) 

Twitter: @cuppymusic

Like it and want to Download ‘I Love My Country’, check out the link below: 

“I Love My Country” Song Download: https://soundcloud.com/cuppymusic/cuppy-love-my-country

Guest Post: The Nigerian Youth is Dead

There was blood splattered on the walls, shreds of torn clothing on the ground. From the left, a canister of tear gas landed, screams were heard as pandemonium engulfed the hall. 

From the description tendered above, one will be in a class of respected thinkers to believe he was in the middle of a warzone, in the middle of a chaotic failed state where laws are absent and the ‘fist’ rules the day. To suggest to you otherwise may be laughed off as absurd. Indeed if a law-making body is to be found a few miles away or law enforcement officials are in the vicinity; that makes for a very unbelievable story. I concede that if this was fiction, then a herculean effort may not be enough to combine these two opposites together. The shock is that this is not fiction; this is a rough reflection of what happened in the law-making building of Rivers State of Nigeria a week ago. Yes you heard me right. Contrary to logical conclusions, those responsible for the broken skulls and bloodied hands were not thugs but the lawmakers themselves; absurd right?

When I was younger, there was an advert with the catchphrase “children are the leaders of tomorrow”; from my understanding this was not the first time such a mantra had been drummed into young unsuspecting minds. You see, the Rivers state legislators believed this mantra and kudos to them, here they are today. But what good is leadership if you are steering a sinking ship?

The Nigerian youth is disadvantaged; by way of templates for behaviour, there is none. Pardoned government thieves roam our streets in flashy cars, whereas people who worked in the civil service for years are seen queuing under the rains for a pension cheque that won’t turn up until a month after their funeral. The blank canvas of the Nigerian youth is imprinted upon, shaped by his experiences, and if the daily occurrences are anything to go by (of which the example tendered above is one), then I fear for you Nigeria. The Nigerian youth is disadvantaged; while his counterparts abroad are given opportunities to excel in academics, sports and vocational pursuits, the Nigerian youth is made to study under a candle for a University exam that will probably be postponed by strikes. The Nigerian youth is disadvantaged; when others are lauded for honesty and integrity, he is categorised as unsharp and unworthy of success because of those same “virtues.”

The Nigerian youth is disadvantaged.

If we stop there, we embody what Chimamanda Adichie terms a single story, a one sided story that makes you feel one emotion for the Nigerian youth, without seeing what he is capable of.

The Nigerian youth is capable of rising above adversity when his mates abroad will crumble. The Nigerian youth that this essay lauds; is the boy under the bridge who after selling ‘pure water’ in the traffic jams of Lagos, studies all night and gets a University scholarship. The Nigerian youth is the girl who in the face of adversity and strife refuses to sell her body to a corrupt lecturer in order to pass her modules. The Nigerian youth is Ibrahim; who shuns the advances of Boko Haram but decides to rehabilitate his friends who have been poisoned by their nefarious teachings. The Nigerian youth is Adeyinka; who works two jobs in order to support his family and still graduated with a first class in University. The Nigerian youth is Chidinma who rather than becoming an additional unemployment statistic, is now an employer with her own honest small business.

You see, this is the Nigerian youth, and I salute the Nigerian youth; the one who will grow up and change the political landscape of this country, the youth who will leave his footprints in history. This is the Nigerian youth, the one who soon to be a man, will rather succeed in spite of the government rather than because of it.

There are two choices, who are you? Are you the Nigerian youth? Robert Frost said, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I took the one less travelled.” Which one will you choose?

The End.

Or is it the start for Nigeria?

Let’s rebirth the Nigerian Youth.



By Mitchell Aghatise

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Mitchell Aghatise is a final year Law Student at the University of Leicester. He is the past President of the Elevation Networks Society and an avid Debater. Very passionate about politics in his home country Nigeria, in his spare time, he writes poems and essays on political affairs. 

Andrea Iyamah

Who is Andrea Iyamah a couple of you may ask?

Well, twenty year old Andrea Dumebi Iyamah, is the Creative Director and Designer to her own label. Her interest in fashion started at the tender age of  twelve, and whilst studying in Canada, she seized the opportunity to officially launch her label in 2011. Her dresses are exceptional, they range from fun, flirty and summery to full on glitz and glam. I  absolutely love her designs. Her swimwear range "Nkwor," was inspired by her father and you will notice infusions of Aztec prints, creative shapes and African influences. 

Take a look at some of her designs, who is wearing them, and her website at the end! 

Saeon

Dolapo Oni 

Angela Simmons 

New Dress still in Progress

I am blown away by her new Collection! Check out the Behind the Scenes Video Below!

Andrea Dumebi Iyamah

If your interested in a Summer Internship, why not apply! 

http://www.andreaiyamah.com/#!summer-internship/crmk

Website: http://www.andreaiyamah.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreaIyamah
Instagram: http://instagram.com/andreaiyamah