Afrobeats Star Fido Issues Public Apology Amid Career Controversies
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Awosika Josiah, widely known by his stage name Fido, has formally issued a comprehensive public apology aimed at addressing the numerous controversies that have surrounded his career since his explosive entry into the mainstream music scene in 2024. The apology, shared via his official X account on Monday, represents a significant moment of reflection for the artist as he seeks to rebuild his public image and move forward.
A Candid Admission of Mistakes
In his heartfelt statement, Fido openly acknowledged errors in judgment and discussed the substantial challenges of adapting to sudden fame and the intense pressures of the music industry. "There's no easy way to write this, so I'll just say it plainly. I messed up," the singer declared with striking honesty. He described how stardom arrived with overwhelming speed, leaving him struggling to comprehend his own identity while navigating the relentless spotlight of public attention.
"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," Fido confessed, demonstrating a level of self-awareness that had previously been questioned by critics and observers. The artist extended his apology specifically to his dedicated fans, industry colleagues, and the broader Afrobeats community, including what he referred to as "the legends and godfathers who opened these doors."
Fido emphasized his choice of reflection over pride, stating, "It takes strength to admit you were wrong. It takes maturity to retrace your steps. I'm doing both." While the apology carefully avoided direct references to specific incidents, it arrives following months of public controversies that have significantly shaped perceptions of the rising star.
The 'Osakpolor FC' Controversy
Among the most prominent incidents that triggered widespread backlash was Fido's use of the phrase "Osakpolor FC" during an online session. Numerous social media users interpreted this remark as a deliberate jab at fellow Afrobeats superstar Davido's fanbase, famously known as 30BG. The controversial clips spread rapidly across digital platforms, igniting substantial criticism from Davido's loyal supporters who took strong exception to Fido's statement.
During a subsequent interview on Pulse Nigeria, the singer attempted to clarify that he had used the term "Osakpolor" in error, claiming he was unaware it functioned as a mocking nickname for Davido. However, these explanations largely failed to appease the 30BG community, and the incident remained a persistent element in ongoing discussions about Fido's public conduct and image management.
Disputes With Former Record Label
Beyond fan-related controversies, Fido also faced significant public scrutiny over conflicts involving his former record label and management team. In a now-infamous post on X, the artist boldly claimed that "Nobody discovered him" and asserted that "it was God who discovered him." This declaration attracted immediate backlash and criticism from industry observers who accused him of attempting to discredit the substantial efforts of his former partners, Inner Circle and Cidar, whose work had been instrumental in launching his mainstream success.
Fido's additional claims of being defrauded early in his career further complicated his public narrative. Many critics argued that having label disputes barely one hit song into his career suggested problematic professional relationships. Although these specific issues with his previous label have since been resolved and Fido has signed with EMPIRE, the lingering perception of him as a difficult artist continues to affect his reputation within the industry.
Framing the Moment as Personal Growth
Notably, Fido's latest statement deliberately avoided revisiting these individual incidents in detail. Instead, it adopted a broader tone of reflection and personal accountability. "I am still learning. I am still evolving... The man walking into this next chapter is more grounded, more aware, and more respectful of the platform he's been given," the singer affirmed, positioning his apology as part of a larger journey of maturation.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to those who "held me accountable instead of cancelling" him, framing the entire experience as an opportunity for genuine growth and development. The timing of this apology coincides with Fido teasing a new single expected for imminent release, suggesting the artist is strategically attempting to usher in a fresh chapter for his career.
Whether this apology represents an authentic attempt at public reconciliation or merely strategic reputation management remains subject to interpretation. However, Fido appears determined to establish a clean slate and distance himself from past controversies as he continues his musical journey. His rapid rise has already earned him two entries on Spotify Nigeria's list of most-streamed songs, indicating significant commercial potential that he now seeks to protect through improved public relations.
