My Friends Say I Live On Planes – DJ Cuppy

In a recent interview with Sunday Punch, she talks about her job as a DJ, travelling round the world and more. Read excerpts

I think one of the best parts of my job is travelling. Being a DJ, I travel at least once a month; I’m always travelling between Lagos, London and New York. My friends say I live on airplanes.

I’ve been lucky enough to have visited almost every continent. I’ve performed in cities such as Miami, Kingston, Paris, Dubai, Athens and Mexico City. One of the highlights of my profession would definitely be last year when I toured eight countries in Africa. During the tour, I performed in countries like Tanzania, Rwanda and Senegal among others.

There are so many inspiring African DJs and Nigeria is doing a great job of being in the forefront. When I’m back home, I like to watch and learn by picking elements from everyone. Having said that, I’ve been able to go to international festivals such as Coachella and SXSW to watch the biggest DJs in the world including Aviici and David Guetta. I get inspired by everyone.

A few weeks ago was my first time in Texas. I performed at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas and I couldn’t believe how warm and kind the people were. Their hospitality took me by surprise. In America, they call it ‘Southern Hospitality’.

I got to experience a completely different part of the United States of America. Also, the locals were so excited to discover African music. I’ve lived in New York for two years now and the city can feel a little cold and unfriendly at times.

I was in and out in three days. I was only there for a weekend as I was performing. I flew in from New York and had to fly to London as I was speaking in a panel on Monday. That was my first time visiting and I encourage everyone to visit Texas. I know there is a big Nigerian community in Houston.

To start with, the weather is always warm. This is different from New York. They have amazing food and the people are hospitable. Another thing I loved was the strong southern accent. I felt super comfortable instantly.

I found that the music culture in Austin, Texas is great. There is live music everywhere you go ‑ in grocery stores, train stations and so on. It is apparently the live music capital of the world.

I didn’t particularly encounter any culture shock but the hospitality stood out. The people were very chatty and interested, even strangers! Sometimes back home in Lagos, we get on with our day and even find friendly behaviour from strangers a huge distraction.

Not quite awkward! I went for a jog one morning and completely got lost and the battery of my phone ran out. The locals helped to direct me to my hotel.

Texas is known for barbeque, heat, and hospitality.

I had to get my own first-hand experience of Gus’s famous chicken in Austin. By the time we were done, I could hardly get out of my seat! It’s a famous long-running restaurant serving spicy fried chicken and comfort sides in a low-key setting. I just needed some nice jollof rice to go with it. The food in Texas is well-spiced and seasoned. I always miss that delicious spice in Nigerian food and the food in Texas is the closest I’ve ever gotten to it.

When I didn’t have to perform, walking around the festival was great. I was able to soak in all the senses around me and put on a cowboy hat of course. I love travelling because it’s always a new and different experience.

Austin has really bad traffic just like Lagos. It’s not necessarily culture related but I noticed that.