Fast-rising Afrobeats singer Awosika Josiah, also known as Fido, has issued a public apology following months of criticism, online backlash, and controversies surrounding his rapid emergence on Nigeria’s music scene.
The “Joy is coming” crooner, who gained attention during his breakout run in 2024, shared the apology on X (Formerly Twitter) on Monday, acknowledging mistakes and reflecting on the pressures that came with his sudden fame.
“There’s no easy way to write this, so I’ll just say it plainly. I messed up,” Fido wrote.
He admitted that the speed of his rise left him navigating public attention while still adjusting to personal growth and industry realities.
“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.
The singer conceded that some of his past remarks and decisions were influenced 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,” the singer said.
Fido’s apology follows prolonged social media tensions that placed him at the centre of fan-driven debates, particularly involving rival supporters of Wizkid and Davido.
One of the most talked-about incidents during his rise was the controversy surrounding 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, triggering backlash and sparking heated exchanges across platforms.
The episode quickly gained traction within Nigeria’s highly active fan culture, leading to sustained criticism and trolling directed at the singer.
Although Fido later described the situation as a misunderstanding and denied any deliberate slight, the controversy continued to follow his public appearances.
In an earlier interview with Naija Fm, the singer had suggested that parts of the backlash stemmed from misinterpretations and his limited engagement with social media dynamics at the time.
Beyond fan-related tensions, Fido also faced public scrutiny over disputes involving his former record label. In previous media interactions, he had raised concerns about financial disagreements linked to his early career with his former management, claiming the situation affected his professional trajectory.
While those issues generated conversations within the industry, the singer’s latest statement did not address specific incidents but instead 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 stakeholders within the music ecosystem.
“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,” the artist said.
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
