Born with a silverspoon but still hard-working, this is the case of these selected individuals who have abandoned their various academic degrees and certificates acquired through expensive education and taken up deejaying as a profession. They might have had it good more than any average kid while growing up, these individuals have also stopped at nothing to be known for their talent than just the son or daughter of wealthy Nigerians.
DJ Cuppy
The 21-year-old daughter of Nigerian billionaire, Femi Otedola, Ife has made a name for herself as a DJ. At 17, she was on her way to fame and more fortune when she started playing at some of London’s top nightclubs, events and various London Fashion Week fixtures. It all began with playing the Piano and then beat making, thereafter Deejaying.
Cuppy is no stranger to forming strong relationships with global brands and companies,entertaining global diplomats and international representatives under her belt at the events such as the Financial Times Luxury Summit and Christie’s Art Ball. Also playing at well-known clubs in Paris, New York and Dubai.
Selected amongst competitors as the official resident DJ for the MTV Africa Music Awards 2014 and currently a brand advocate fuelling the ‘Fascinating Nigeria’ campaign, Cuppy calls her new sound Neo-Afrobeats, a genre of music, which blends Electric House with Afro-beats.
DJ, Cuppy plays across all genres, but began experimenting with music from her native hometown in Lagos, Nigeria and noticed that it was gradually becoming widely accepted worldwide.
DJ Xclusive
Signed to Banky W’s EME record label, Rotimi Alakija, better known as DJ Xclusive, is a Nigerian DJ and the nephew of world’s richest black woman, Folorusho Alakija.
Born in the UK but moved back to Nigeria for his High school education at King’s College, Lagos. After his High school education, Rotimi Alakija moved back to the UK to study Physics and computer science at Reading University for his first degree and later on, did his 2nd degree in Financial Computing at Brunel University.
His DJ career began professionally in 2003 while in the same time frame, completed a course in Music Production. Over the course of years during his career, DJ Xclusive has performed alongside acts like Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Mario Winans, Brick and Lace, Nas, and Fat Joe.
In 2011, DJ Xclusive became the resident DJ of hit radio station in Nigeria – CoolFM 96.9 and also joined Empire Mates Entertainment as Wizkid’s official DJ. Recently, he released his debut compilation album, “According To X” which has spawned singles such as “Pangolo” featuring Timaya, “Jam It” featuring 2face and Timaya, “Ibebe” featuring Olamide amongst others music stars.
DJ Caise
Popularly known as the multi-award winning Chocolate City Official DJ, Caise has performed across Africa and has been seen at various major shows including the MTV Africa Music Awards 2010, the SoundCity Music Video Awards 2010, Music Meets Runway 2011, Hennessy Artistry Club Tour 2011, MTV Africa All Stars Lagos and Durban, S.A 2013 and much more.
The University of Reading graduate, armed with a master’s degree in finance, abandoned his white collar job for music when he mastered the art of fusing local and international sounds into creating an eclectic mix of what he terms ‘Gidi House Music’.
Caise, real name Derin Phillips hails from a wealthy home, he spent most of his days in the UK and U.S before returning to Nigeria. He represented Nigeria as the In-House DJ twice on Big Brother Africa Season 5 and 6, and also resides at the Beat 99.9FM Lagos, Beat 97.9FM Ibadan, Channel O Africa and Kennis Music Channel.
DJ Big N
Nonso Temisan Ajufo better known by his stage name, DJ BIG N, is Mavin’s Official Deejay. Born and raised to a wealthy family. After moving back from the United Kingdom where he went to further his studies, he obtained an MBA degree from Coventry university in England. He also holds a Bsc degree in Psychology from the University of Lagos.
He earlier on attended King’s college Lagos and Corona primary school Victoria Island Lagos. Dj Big N started his career in the UK playing local clubs in the West Midlands before guest playing at the Palms Club in Coventry as well as Guest playing at Club. His mastered deejaying skills has gotten him to perform at events with international stars such as Jarule, Ashanti, Kool And The Gang, Maxi priest, Dru Hill, Billy Ocean, Joe.
DJ Olu
Born Oluwagbemiga Abiodun to a billionaire father, DJ Olu is Davido’s official deejay. Prior to signing with Davido, both billionaire families have been friends for quite sometime, although he was based in London while Davido was based in the United States before the pop star returned to Nigeria. Also, DJ Olu has worked with heavyweights like, Wande Coal, Wizkid, Davido etc. (Therealgist)