DJ DSF Sparks Debate as She Says It’s Better to Stay in Nigeria Than Do a Job You Hate in the UK

Nigerian DJ and actress, Dorcas Shola-Fapson, popularly known as DJ DSF, has stirred a fresh wave of conversations across social media after voicing a controversial but thought-provoking opinion about Nigerians relocating abroad in search of greener pastures. In a video that quickly spread on X, Instagram and TikTok, the entertainer stated that if a person is earning a comfortable salary in Nigeria, it may actually be better to stay back home than to travel to the United Kingdom only to end up doing a job they despise. Her comment has since ignited intense reactions, with many sharing their personal experiences about the realities of life abroad versus the struggles of staying in Nigeria.

According to DJ DSF, the glamorised image of the UK and other Western countries often sets Nigerians up for disappointment. She explained that while relocation might seem like an escape from Nigeria’s complex economic challenges, the reality abroad is far from a fairy tale. Many Nigerians, she noted, end up working in jobs they would never consider taking at home — jobs they don’t enjoy, jobs that drain them mentally, and jobs that don’t align with their career aspirations or passions. “If you’re earning a good salary in Nigeria, it’s better to stay than to go abroad and suffer doing something you h*te every single day,” she said, stressing that mental wellbeing is just as important as financial gain.

Her statement comes at a time when the “japa” movement — the mass migration of Nigerians to foreign countries — continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. For many young Nigerians, leaving the country has become a symbol of hope and survival. But DJ DSF’s comments challenge the belief that abroad is automatically better. She argued that while the UK may offer stability, structure and a more reliable system, it also comes with demanding work schedules, high bills, challenging taxes and a cost of living that leaves many migrants struggling. “People think you just land in the UK and money starts falling from the sky,” she added, describing how even highly educated Nigerians often find themselves doing care jobs, warehouse shifts or survival work just to stay afloat.

Her message resonated deeply with some Nigerians who admitted that living abroad has been far more difficult than they anticipated. Several commenters shared personal stories of burnout, depression and loneliness while working long hours in jobs they only tolerate because they need to pay bills. Others argued that despite Nigeria’s challenges, the comfort of having family, community and familiar food is something they miss dearly abroad. A number of migrants revealed that they often work two to three jobs, endure harsh weather conditions and lose their work-life balance — experiences they said no one warned them about before leaving Nigeria.

However, DJ DSF’s opinion also sparked strong criticism from Nigerians who accused her of being out of touch with reality. Some argued that not everyone in Nigeria can access a “good salary,” and for millions facing joblessness, insecurity and inflation, relocation remains the only practical way to achieve stability. They insisted that even if the jobs abroad are hard, they still offer dignity, structure and long-term opportunities that Nigeria currently cannot guarantee. One commenter wrote, “It’s easy for someone doing well in Lagos to say staying back is better. Come and see what ordinary people are going through before you judge the japa movement.”

Still, many acknowledged a truth in her statement: quality of life is not determined by location alone. Some Nigerians pointed out that earning ₦700,000 or ₦1 million monthly in Lagos, with support systems and a lifestyle tailored to your environment, may actually translate to more comfort than earning £1,800 in the UK and spending almost all of it on rent, transportation and bills. They argued that if a person is already privileged enough to have a stable, well-paying job in Nigeria, relocating might disrupt rather than improve their life. “Abroad is good, but it’s not for everybody,” another user wrote, echoing DJ DSF’s sentiment.

DJ DSF made it clear that her aim was not to discourage anyone from pursuing opportunities abroad but to highlight the importance of making informed decisions. She noted that many Nigerians travel with unrealistic expectations, often overlooking the emotional and psychological challenges that come with starting over in a new environment. The pressure to succeed abroad, she said, can be overwhelming, especially for people who left Nigeria believing life would become instantly easier. Her message, according to her, is for people to “think carefully before leaving a life they love for a life they might struggle with.”

She added that not all success is measured by location, and that there are Nigerians thriving in the entertainment industry, tech, entrepreneurship and corporate roles right here at home. With Nigeria’s growing creative scene and digital innovation space, she believes young people now have more opportunities to build meaningful careers locally. Her advice: if you already have a job you love and it pays well, don’t abandon it simply because of pressure from social media or society’s obsession with relocating.

As expected, her remarks have continued to fuel a national conversation. Videos, podcasts and Twitter Spaces have emerged dissecting her point, with Nigerians at home and abroad weighing in. Some see her as brave for speaking an unpopular truth, while others believe her perspective oversimplifies the struggles of those desperate to escape Nigeria’s difficult system. Yet, regardless of the differing opinions, one thing is clear — her comment touched a nerve because it reflects a dilemma many Nigerians secretly wrestle with.

For now, DJ DSF has neither withdrawn nor softened her stance. She maintains that every Nigerian must choose the path that best preserves their peace, passion and wellbeing. Whether that path is in Lagos, Abuja, London or Manchester, she believes the true “greener pasture” is wherever a person can live with dignity, happiness and purposeful work. Her remarks have ultimately reminded many that the japa movement, like every major life decision, should be guided not just by the desire for money but by the pursuit of a life that feels meaningful.

In a country where economic realities push thousands out every year, her statement is a bold one — but perhaps a necessary reality check for those who believe that relocation is an automatic ticket to fulfilment. Whether Nigerians agree or disagree, DJ DSF has undeniably succeeded in sparking one of the most honest conversations about migration and quality of life in recent times.