'Joy is Coming' Crooner, Fido Apologises for Past Mistakes, Admits Fame Came Too Fast

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that fast-rising Afrobeats singer, Awosika Josiah, popularly known as Fido, has issued a public apology over a series of controversies that trailed his rapid rise in Nigeria’s music scene, admitting that sudden stardom, inexperience and emotion influenced some of his past actions.

OTN News further reports that the singer, who broke into mainstream attention in 2024 with his hit single Joy Is Coming, shared the apology on X (formerly Twitter) after months of criticism, online backlash and fan-driven disputes.

“There’s no easy way to write this, so I’ll just say it plainly. I messed up,” Fido wrote, acknowledging that he struggled to navigate public attention while still adjusting to personal growth and the realities of the music industry.

Reflecting on his swift ascent, the singer said fame arrived faster than he had anticipated. 

“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 remarks and decisions were shaped by ego, excitement 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 said.

OTN News observes that the apology follows prolonged social media tensions that placed the singer at the centre of heated fan debates, particularly involving rival supporters of Afrobeats superstars Wizkid and Davido. 

One of the most controversial moments during Fido’s rise was his use of the phrase “Osakpolor FC” during a live session, a comment widely interpreted online as a slight against Davido’s fanbase, 30BG.

The remark sparked widespread backlash and trolling, quickly gaining traction within Nigeria’s highly active online fan culture. 

Although Fido later described the incident as a misunderstanding and denied any deliberate insult, the controversy continued to follow him across public appearances and online platforms.

OTN News recalls that in an earlier interview with Naija FM, the singer suggested that much of the backlash stemmed from misinterpretations and his limited understanding of social media dynamics at the time.

Beyond fan-related disputes, Fido also faced scrutiny over disagreements with his former record label. 

In previous media interactions, he had spoken about alleged financial issues linked to his early career and former management, claims that generated conversations within the music industry. 

However, his latest statement avoided specific incidents, opting instead for a broader tone of 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 an apology to industry stakeholders, saying, “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.”

According to the singer, the controversies forced a period of deep introspection and reassessment. 

“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,” he said, adding that he remains a work in progress.

Fido also hinted that his forthcoming music would reflect a more mature and grounded outlook. 

“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.