Singer Fido apologises for past remarks, acknowledges mistakes amid fame

Fast-rising Afrobeats singer Awosika Josiah, popularly known as Fido, has issued a public apology following months of criticism and controversy that trailed his rapid ascent in Nigeria’s music industry.

The “Joy is coming” crooner, who broke out in 2024, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday to acknowledge his shortcomings and reflect on the challenges of navigating sudden stardom.

“There’s no easy way to write this, so I’ll just say it plainly. I messed up,” Fido wrote.

The singer explained that the swiftness of his rise left him grappling with public attention while still undergoing personal development.

“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.

Fido admitted that some of his past comments and actions were driven by emotion and lack of experience.

“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 said.

The apology comes after months of social media tensions that placed the singer at the centre of fan-driven debates, particularly among supporters of Wizkid and Davido.

A key incident during his rise involved his use of the phrase “Osakpolor FC” during a live session. The remark was widely interpreted online as a dismissive reference to Davido’s fanbase, 30BG, triggering backlash and heated exchanges across platforms.

Although Fido later described the situation as a misunderstanding and denied any deliberate slight, the controversy continued to shadow his public appearances.

In a previous interview with Naija FM, the singer had suggested that parts of the backlash stemmed from misinterpretations and his limited understanding of social media dynamics at the time.

Beyond fan-related tensions, Fido also faced public scrutiny over disputes involving his former record label. He had earlier raised concerns about financial disagreements linked to his early career with previous management, claiming the situation affected his professional trajectory.

While his latest statement did not address specific incidents, it adopted a broader tone of reflection and accountability.

“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 his apology to industry stakeholders.

“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,” he said.

Fido noted that the controversies prompted a period of introspection and personal reassessment.

Describing the experience as part of his evolution, the singer said he remained committed to growth.

“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 stated.

He further indicated that his upcoming work would reflect a different mindset.

“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,” Fido concluded.