Fast-rising Afrobeats singer Awosika Josiah, also known as Fido, has issued a public apology after months of criticism, online backlash, and controversies surrounding his rapid rise in Nigeria’s music scene.
The “Joy is Coming” singer, who rose to prominence during his breakout run in 2024, issued an apology on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, admitting mistakes and reflecting on the pressures that came with his sudden fame.
“There’s no easy way to write this, so I’ll say it straight.” Fido wrote, “I messed up.”
He admitted that his rapid rise required him to balance public attention with personal growth and industry realities.
“Stardom entered my life quickly. One minute I was dreaming about it, the next I was experiencing it. And while the world watched me grow, I was still trying to figure out who I was within that growth,” he explained.
The singer admitted that some of his previous statements and decisions were influenced by emotion and inexperience.
“Throughout the process, I made mistakes. I said things that should not have been said. I let ego, excitement, and inexperience guide some of my decisions.
“That isn’t who I want to be.” “And it’s not who I’m becoming,” the singer admitted.
Fido’s apology comes after a period of prolonged social media tensions that landed him in the middle of fan-driven debates, particularly between Wizkid and Davido supporters.
One of the most talked-about incidents during his rise was the debate over the phrase “Osakpolor FC,” which he used during a live session.
The comment was widely interpreted by online audiences as a dismissive reference to Davido’s fanbase, 30BG, resulting in backlash and heated exchanges across platforms.
The episode quickly gained traction in Nigeria’s highly active fan culture, prompting sustained criticism and trolling of the singer.
Although Fido later described the situation as a misunderstanding and denied any deliberate slight, the controversy persisted during his public appearances.
In a previous interview with Naija Fm, the singer suggested that some of the backlash stemmed from misinterpretations and his limited understanding of social media dynamics at the time.
Aside from fan tensions, Fido faced public scrutiny over disagreements with his former record label. In previous media interviews, he expressed concern about financial disagreements with his former management during his early career, claiming the situation had an impact on his professional trajectory.
While those issues sparked debate in the industry, the singer’s most recent statement avoided addressing specific incidents and instead took a broader tone of reflection and accountability.
“To my fans, who stream my music, defend me, pray for me, and believe in me, I apologise,” he wrote.
He also apologised to stakeholders in the music ecosystem.
“To the global Afrobeats community, the legends and godfathers who paved the way for me, my colleagues, and everyone who was disappointed by my words or actions, I sincerely apologise. “Truly,” he replied.
Fido stated that the controversies prompted a period of introspection and personal reevaluation.
The singer described the experience as part of his evolution and stated that he remains committed to growth.
“There are times in life when you can either double down on pride or humble yourself and grow. I decided to take a step back. I decided to listen. I decided to reflect.
“It takes courage to admit you were mistaken. It takes maturity to reverse your steps. I am doing both. I continue to learn. “I am still evolving,” the artist explained.
He also mentioned that his upcoming work would reflect a different mindset.
“The music you’re about to hear will be from a deeper place. A more honest environment. A more thankful place.
“This is growth. This demonstrates maturity. This is me improving. It’s game time again!” Fido concluded.
