Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, globally known as DJ Cuppy, has been selected as a 2025 Goalkeeper by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, an honour that places her among a distinguished group of changemakers advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) worldwide.
In a heartfelt announcement shared via LinkedIn, the philanthropist and music star expressed her excitement and humility at the recognition.
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“I’ve been selected as a 2025 UK Goalkeeper by the Gates Foundation,” she wrote. “Why do I think Goalkeepers are important? Well, when passionate people from every corner of the world come together with purpose, real change becomes unstoppable.”
For Cuppy, this selection is a culmination of years of advocacy, cultural influence, and humanitarian work. From international music stages to UN platforms, she has continuously fused creativity with impact, emerging as one of Africa’s most visible voices in youth empowerment and global development.
Reflecting on the announcement, Cuppy said being part of the Goalkeepers community makes her “proud to be in the mix with legends driving the SDGs,” adding that the conversations around Nigeria’s digital future, AI, and sustainable growth have been “energizing and enlightening.”
Beyond her chart-topping tracks and vibrant DJ sets, Cuppy’s philanthropic footprint continues to deepen. In 2023, she launched the Cuppy Fund, a scholarship initiative supporting brilliant African students at New York University (NYU), one of her alma maters. Her foundation, The Cuppy Foundation, has raised over $17 million for displaced children in Nigeria, working closely with Save the Children since 2018.
Earlier this year, Cuppy was invited to perform at a special event hosted by Bill Gates in celebration of Africa Day—an experience she described as “surreal.”
“I’m just grateful that my small DJ talent continues to take me around the world,” she said. “All glory to God.”
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Her influence goes beyond music. Cuppy made history in 2023 as the first-ever international celebrity ambassador for His Majesty King Charles III’s The King’s Trust, where she champions youth innovation and social mobility. She also made waves during the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), moderating the opening session focused on sustainable development and youth leadership, DJing the Goals House opening, and speaking at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park.
Whether spinning records for global brands like Bloomberg, Bvlgari, or at major events like Glastonbury and Cannes, Cuppy continues to challenge stereotypes and inspire change. Her groundbreaking work includes curating British Airways’ first-ever Afrobeat playlist and serving as a Young Patrons Ambassador for London’s Tate Modern.
From campaigning with the UK Labour Party to pushing cultural boundaries, DJ Cuppy’s journey reflects a powerful blend of purpose, talent, and tenacity. With her new role as a 2025 Goalkeeper, she joins a global community determined to turn aspirations into action—and redefine what it means to lead.
“I hope this encourages more young Africans to know that their voice matters,” she said. “If I can do it, so can you.”
