"Honesty and transparency are paramount to building trust with your clients. They should be able to trust you with their money."
Visualizing and Executing the Big Picture
In the bustling city of Lagos, amidst the rhythm of life, stands a creative genius who has taken the music industry by storm. Femi Dapson, a movie producer extraordinaire, has become a driving force behind some of the most iconic visuals in the music world. From working with artists like Wizkid to Rema and even collaborating with Grammy-winning Burna Boy, Dapson’s touch can be seen in music videos that have captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Through a candid interview, we delve into the mind of this visionary producer and discover the secrets behind his illustrious career.
The Movie Producer who Loves Videos
Unlike directors who conceive ideas, the producer must bring them to life, managing every aspect of the production process.
Over the years, Femi Dapson has collaborated with an impressive array of artists, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Rema, establishing his reputation as the go-to producer for top-tier musicians. Dapson reminisces about one artist, Mavis, An artist, who contacted their company to shoot a music video. After working together to finalize the treatment and budget, they embarked on a journey to create a visual masterpiece. Such collaborations are challenging, though. Dapson acknowledges that coordinating with busy artists can be demanding, as their schedules often collide with the meticulous planning required for a music video shoot. However, his experience and foresight allow him to anticipate and address potential issues, ensuring the smooth execution of the project.
“The director picks elements that work best for the artist, but I always like to confer with directors and be involved in everything. I always try to offer ideas,” Femi Dapson states passionately, highlighting his dedication to the creative process. Balancing the artist’s vision, the desires of the A&R team, and his artistic input requires finesse and tact, which Dapson possesses in abundance.
In the unpredictable world of music production, one must always have a backup plan. “I have a plan B and C,” Dapson says with confidence, assuring that even if something goes askew, he is prepared to handle it efficiently. Nigeria’s diverse and vibrant environment poses unique challenges, but Dapson’s resourcefulness and adaptability have been instrumental in overcoming these obstacles time and again.
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Dapson the Workaholic
While his impressive portfolio speaks for itself, Femi Dapson does not rest on his laurels. “I always make sure my most recent job is better than my last job,” he asserts. This commitment to improvement and innovation is evident in every project he undertakes. As Afrobeat gains global recognition, artists are increasingly venturing onto the international stage, and Dapson’s expertise ensures that their music videos match the highest global standards.
His work ethics have paid off as  the music video he produced are nominated in the 2023  Headies award video of the Year category. Out of the total 6 videos they nominated, he produced, Blaqbonez – ‘back in uni’, and Rema’s  – ‘calm down’, amongst others.
Recently, Rema’s video for the song ‘calm down’ has become the most streamed Afrobeats music video of all time on YouTube.
Staying relevant and fresh in the rapidly evolving industry demands continuous effort. Dapson reveals his dedication to researching and learning from other directors, often immersing himself in behind-the-scenes documentaries of iconic films and award-winning programs. This pursuit of knowledge allows him to add value to every project and maintain a level of excellence that impresses even international artists.
Honesty and Transparency Will Take you far
Femi Dapson’s advice is simple yet profound for aspiring producers: “Honesty and transparency are paramount to building trust with your clients. They should be able to trust you with their money” In an industry where reputations are everything, he emphasizes the importance of integrity and treating people with respect. Dapson, who did not attend formal film school, proves that passion and determination can pave the way to success.
As we conclude the interview, Femi Dapson’s gaze extends far beyond the Nigerian horizon. His sights are set on making movies worthy of platforms like Netflix, and he eagerly anticipates collaborations with international artists, bridging the gap between local and global talent.
In Femi Dapson, we find an individual who is not just a dream-weaver, a visionary who brings imagination to life through the lens of a camera. With his creative prowess, integrity, and determination, Femi Dapson has firmly cemented his place in the history of music videos, leaving an indelible mark on the industry that will continue to inspire generations of aspiring producers for years to come.
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