Fast-rising Afrobeats singer, Awosika Josiah, popularly known as Fido, has publicly apologised after months of criticism and online backlash that trailed his swift rise in Nigeria’s music industry.
The “Joy Is Coming” crooner, who gained prominence during his breakout run in 2024, shared a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, admitting to errors and reflecting on the pressures that accompanied his sudden fame.
“There’s no easy way to write this, so I’ll just say it plainly. I messed up,” he wrote.
Fido explained that his rapid ascent to stardom happened while he was still navigating personal growth and adjusting to the realities of the industry.
“Stardom came into my life quickly. One minute I was dreaming about it, the next minute I was living it. And while the world was watching me grow, I was still trying to understand who I was inside that growth,” he stated.
He acknowledged that some of his previous comments and actions were driven by emotion and inexperience.
“Along the way, I made mistakes. I said things that should never have been said. I allowed ego, excitement, and inexperience to influence some of my decisions. That’s not who I want to be. And it’s not who I’m becoming,” he added.
The apology follows prolonged social media tensions that placed the singer at the centre of fan rivalries, particularly between supporters of Wizkid and Davido.
One major controversy stemmed from his use of the phrase “Osakpolor FC” during a live session, which many online interpreted as a slight against Davido’s fanbase, 30BG. The remark sparked heated exchanges and sustained trolling across platforms.
Although Fido later described the incident as a misunderstanding and denied any intention to insult anyone, the backlash lingered and continued to trail his public appearances. In an earlier interview with Naija FM, he attributed part of the uproar to misinterpretations and his limited understanding of social media dynamics at the time.
Beyond fan-related disputes, the singer also faced scrutiny over disagreements with his former record label. He had previously spoken about financial issues linked to his early career management, claiming they affected his professional progress.
However, in his latest statement, Fido avoided specific incidents and instead adopted a broader tone of accountability and reflection.
“To my fans — the ones who stream the music, defend me, pray for me, and believe in me — I am sorry,” he wrote.
He also extended the apology to key stakeholders in the music industry.
“To the global Afrobeats community, the legends and godfathers who opened these doors before me, my colleagues, and everyone who felt disappointed by my words or actions, I apologise. Truly.”
Describing the experience as a turning point, Fido said he chose humility over pride.
“There are moments in life when you either double down on pride or you humble yourself and grow. I chose to step back. I chose to listen. I chose to reflect.
“It takes strength to admit you were wrong. It takes maturity to retrace your steps. I’m doing both. I am still learning. I am still evolving.”
He added that his forthcoming projects would reflect a new mindset and deeper perspective.
“The music you’re about to hear will come from a deeper place. A more honest place. A more grateful place. This is growth. This is maturity. This is me doing better. It’s game time again,” he concluded.
Advertisement
