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I didn’t know my father was rich, I thought I had a normal life – DJ Cuppy
Nigerian DJ and artist Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, has reflected on how her understanding of privilege has evolved over the years.
The billionaire heiress and daughter of Femi Otedola shared that she didn’t always grasp how different her upbringing was from that of others. Growing up, she never had to worry about necessities, and her lifestyle felt completely normal to her.
However, as she matured, she began to recognize that what she once took for granted was something many people could only dream of.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), she expressed her newfound perspective, writing:
“Growing up, I didn’t fully realize just how privileged I was. I never had to worry about anything. Thank God I see it now. What felt normal to me is something someone else is praying for. Gratitude changes everything.”
Her statement sparked discussions online, with many commending her for acknowledging her privilege, while others highlighted the daily struggles faced by many Nigerians.
Growing up, I didn’t fully realise just how privileged I was. I never had to worry about anything tbh. Thank God I see it now. What felt normal to me is something someone else is praying for. Gratitude changes everything 🤲🏾
— Cuppy (@cuppymusic) March 1, 2025
DJ Cuppy’s realization mirrors that of another Nigerian superstar, Davido. While Cuppy only recently gained a deeper awareness of her privileged background, Davido—born David Adeleke—discovered his family’s wealth at the age of 13.
In an interview on the Earn Your Leisure podcast, Davido revealed that despite his father being a billionaire, he lived modestly and drove a Honda Accord. It wasn’t until an unfortunate incident forced his family to relocate that he understood just how wealthy his father was.
“There was an explosion, and a lot of houses, including ours, got destroyed. My mom said, ‘David, we’re leaving for the new house.’ I was confused because I didn’t even know we had another house. When we arrived, it was massive. My dad had been building it all along, but I had no idea. That was when I realized he was rich.”
Both Cuppy and Davido’s experiences highlight how growing up in wealth can sometimes shield individuals from fully understanding their privilege until later in life.