Fast-rising Afrobeats singer Awosika Josiah, popularly known as Fido, has issued a public apology following months of criticism and online backlash tied to controversies surrounding his rapid rise in Nigeria’s music scene.

The “Joy Is Coming” crooner shared the apology on his X handle on Monday, acknowledging past mistakes and reflecting on the pressures that came with 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 breakout success in 2024 left him navigating public attention while still adjusting to personal growth and the realities of the music industry.

“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,” he said.

Fido’s apology follows prolonged social media tensions that placed him at the centre of fan-driven debates, particularly involving 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 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 trail his public appearances. He had also previously spoken about financial disagreements with a former record label, saying the dispute affected his early career trajectory.

In his latest statement, however, the singer adopted a broader tone of accountability rather than addressing specific incidents.

“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 the wider Afrobeats community, including industry veterans and colleagues who may have been disappointed by his actions.

“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,” Fido said.

He added that his forthcoming music would reflect a deeper sense of growth and gratitude.

“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.