Femi Dapson Reveals Why He Left Winners’ Chapel Role to Pursue Creative Career

Nigerian creative producer and founder of Nouvelle Films, Femi Dapson, has opened up about the bold decision that changed the direction of his career, revealing how he left a comfortable and prestigious position within Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel, to pursue opportunities in Lagos.

Dapson shared the story during an appearance on the WithChude podcast hosted by media personality Chude Jideonwo, where he reflected on his early career, his time working closely with Bishop David Oyedepo and the difficult transition that followed his decision to leave.

According to Dapson, his role within the church gave him access to an environment of considerable responsibility and exposure. Despite not having a university degree at the time, he worked at an executive level, dressed formally for work and had opportunities to interact with prominent personalities, including visiting government officials.

However, Dapson said he eventually began to feel that remaining in the comfortable environment could prevent him from discovering his full potential.

“I had to leave Winners, honestly, because I was like, if I stay here, I’ll get too comfortable,” he recalled during the interview.

He explained that he became increasingly conscious of the need to build something for himself financially and professionally, eventually deciding to relocate to Lagos in pursuit of opportunities in the creative and media industry.

“Omo, don’t get carried away. You need to go and make money. And then I left. I came to Lagos,” Dapson said.

From Executive Environment to Humble Beginnings

Leaving the church did not immediately translate into success for Dapson.

After arriving in Lagos, he had to start from a much more modest position, taking on jobs that included cleaning while searching for a pathway into mainstream media production.

Rather than allowing the change in circumstances to discourage him, Dapson continued pursuing opportunities within the industry. His persistence eventually earned him an opportunity as a junior editor.

He also described having to prove himself during pitch interviews and professional engagements, relying on his creativity, confidence and willingness to learn to convince industry figures of his potential.

The experience became an important stage in his eventual emergence as a creative producer.

Building a Name in Africa’s Creative Industry

Dapson is now the founder of Nouvelle Films, a production company that has worked on major visual projects within Nigeria’s entertainment industry and the wider African music scene.

His career has seen him work on projects associated with some of the biggest names in Afrobeats, including Rema, Burna Boy, Davido and Kizz Daniel.

His journey from working within a major Nigerian church organisation, to taking on humble jobs in Lagos and eventually establishing himself within the creative industry, has become an example of the unpredictable paths through which creative careers can develop.

Dapson’s story also highlights the importance of being willing to leave familiar environments, start again when necessary and remain committed to developing one's abilities.

For young Nigerians seeking careers in the creative industry, his experience offers a reminder that professional growth may sometimes require stepping away from a comfortable position and being willing to begin again from the ground up.