Nigerian disc jockey and philanthropist, Florence Otedola, who is globally recognised as DJ Cuppy, has added another prestigious international accolade to her name. She was honoured with the Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards (DIAFA) 2025 Award during a glamorous ceremony held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
An Emotional Victory on a Global Stage
The award announcement was made public by DJ Cuppy herself through a video shared on her social media platforms on Wednesday, December 18, 2025. The clip captured the poignant moment she received the award and delivered her acceptance speech. In her address, she expressed profound gratitude, stating, "Thank you so much. All glory to God and shukran DIAFA, shukran Dubai. I love this city so much."
Reflecting on her remarkable career trajectory, the Afrobeats star revealed that her journey has spanned 17 years. She highlighted her evolution from a young Nigerian girl to an international figure, saying, "I have been DJing for 17 years, and I love what I do. I was a young girl from Nigeria, but now I am a woman with a global vision." This win follows closely on the heels of another historic achievement, as she became the first Nigerian to host an opening session at the United Nations General Assembly just days earlier, electrifying the 2024 Youth Action Day.
A Heartfelt Dedication to Home
Despite her soaring global profile, DJ Cuppy emphasised her unwavering connection to her roots. "But I cannot stand here today without remembering where I am from. My beloved country, Nigeria. Africa. The continent," she declared emotionally. Switching to her native Yoruba language, she acknowledged the collective support that has propelled her, explaining, "In my language, Yoruba, we say, 'Eniyan, lasho mi', which means people are my covering."
In a move that resonated deeply with her audience, she dedicated the prestigious award to her homeland. She noted the challenging times faced by many citizens and framed the award as a symbol of optimism. "So I want to thank all my people. I dedicate this award to Nigeria, my country, where so many hearts are hurting. May this be a beacon of hope," Cuppy stated, concluding her speech with a final "Thank you. Shukran."
Understanding the Prestige of the DIAFA Awards
The DIAFA Awards are a highly regarded annual red-carpet event in Dubai that celebrates influential personalities from around the world and the Arab region. The awards honour outstanding achievements across diverse fields including:
- Arts and Culture
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Humanitarian and Philanthropic Efforts
By recognising global talent, DIAFA aims to highlight contributions that positively impact society. DJ Cuppy now joins an elite list of past honourees, which includes international stars such as:
- Mona Zaki and Maguy Bou Ghosn
- Bollywood actors Nargis Fakhri and Jacqueline Fernandez
- Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen (2024 honouree)
- Pakistani stars Ali Zafar, Maya Ali, Mahira Khan, and Sajal Aly
- Arab music icons Elissa, Wael Kfoury, Angham, and Nawal El Zoghbi
This award solidifies DJ Cuppy's position not just as a top-tier entertainer, but as a cultural ambassador for Nigeria on the world's stage, using her platform to inspire and advocate for hope.
