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| Fido |
In 2024, Afrobeats welcomed a new king—Fido, the Awolowo and Joy is Coming crooner who went from a complete unknown to a chart-topping sensation in mere months. Born Awosika Olayemi Josiah in Matogun, Ogun State, this 27-year-old hustler turned his small-town dreams into a global sound, dominating Nigeria’s music scene and beyond. But how did Fido go from unknown to Afrobeats fame in 2024? From a viral debut to a nationwide anthem, his journey is a Naija fairy tale of talent, timing, and TikTok. Let’s unpack the rise of this Afrofusion star who’s got everyone vibing!
The Humble Beginnings: From Church Choir to Street Hustle
Fido’s story starts far from the Lagos spotlight. Raised by a single mum in Matogun, he found his rhythm early, singing in the local church choir. “Music was my escape,” he shared in a 2025 Premium Times chat. No fancy studios or industry plugs—just a kid with a voice and a hustle. By his teens, he was juggling odd jobs—helping his mum run an event center—while soaking up influences from Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat fire and Olamide’s street-hop grit. In 2019, he enrolled at Pefti Film Institute, sharpening his production skills and dreaming of a sound he’d later dub “Afrofusion”—a mashup of Afrobeats, trap, R&B, and dancehall. Little did he know, 2024 would be his year.
The Spark: Awolowo Drops and Blows Up
Fast-forward to August 2024: Fido, still unsigned, dropped his debut single, Awolowo. Produced by Iyke Elvis, the track was a love letter to youth and escapism, named after the iconic Awolowo Road in Ikoyi. With its funky beat and Fido’s raw, street-smart delivery—“My name is Awosika, and it matches perfectly with Awolowo,” he explained on Beat FM—it hit like a thunderbolt. X posts lit up, with fans calling it the “biggest song in Nigeria” by October. Shazam clocked over 22,000 hits in a week, and it soared to No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top 100. How did Fido go from unknown to Afrobeats fame in 2024? Awolowo was the match that lit the fuse.
Why It Worked: The song’s infectious rhythm and Fido’s honest lyrics about using cannabis to tune out life’s noise resonated with Naija’s youth. Plus, its DIY vibe—Fido was independent—made it a grassroots triumph.
TikTok and the Viral Wave
Fido’s rise wasn’t just radio play—it was social media sorcery. Awolowo took off on TikTok, where influencers and dancers turned its groove into a movement. By September, X user @itsSh0la pitched it to Guinness World Records as a history-making indie hit. Then came December 2024, and Fido dropped Joy is Coming. Inspired by his struggles and hope, this track became a Detty December anthem. TikTok exploded again—content creators synced it to everything from dance challenges to New Year prayers. It unseated Davido’s Funds to hit No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria and climbed to No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Afrobeats Chart. How did Fido go from unknown to Afrobeats fame in 2024? TikTok turned his vibes into a cultural tsunami.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: 2024’s Breakout Star
By year-end, Joy is Coming racked up 6.88 million on-demand streams and 44.9 million in radio reach, per TurnTable Charts. Awolowo boasted over 20 million Spotify streams, a feat NotJustOk hailed as “effortless chart domination.” Fido, the Awolowo and Joy is Coming crooner, went from zero to hero in under six months. No label, no big budget—just pure hustle and a sound that clicked. Industry voices like Joey Akan on X called him “a bright spot” in a year of “duds,” while ThisDayLive dubbed him “one of Nigeria’s most listened-to artists.”
Key Moments That Sealed His Fame
• The Wizkid Link-Up: In January 2025, a viral clip of Fido hugging Wizkid at a Lagos club (shared by Legit.ng) had fans screaming for a Joy is Coming remix. “He’s bridging divides,” one X post gushed.
• Live Performances: Fido’s energy at shows like the Lavida Concert (noted on X) showed he wasn’t just a studio star—he could move a crowd.
• The EMPIRE Deal: In February 2025, Fido inked a game-changing deal with EMPIRE via his Oosha Records imprint, signaling global ambitions.
These moments cemented how Fido went from unknown to Afrobeats fame in 2024—each step amplifying his buzz.
The Sound: What Makes Fido Special?
Fido’s Afrofusion isn’t just catchy—it’s real. Awolowo vibed with escapism and street cred, while Joy is Coming delivered hope with lines like “Joy no come again” flipped into positivity. “I switch between rap, R&B, and Amapiano—it’s my mood,” he told Beat FM. Drawing from Fela’s rebellion, Olamide’s hustle, and Kizz Daniel’s hooks, Fido carved a lane that’s fresh yet familiar. Rolling Stone listed Awolowo among 2024’s best Afropop tracks, praising its “charismatic delivery.” That’s how Fido went from unknown to Afrobeats fame in 2024—a sound that stuck.
The Struggles: Not All Smooth Vibes
Fame didn’t come without fights. In March 2025, Fido clashed with Cidar Africa, the company that marketed Awolowo and Joy is Coming. He accused them of “ripping him off,” per Legit.ng, sparking a fan frenzy on X. After flops like Mr. Lover with Heatwave Records, he’d returned to Cidar—only to bolt for EMPIRE later. “I’m about freedom,” he said, echoing his music’s ethos. These bumps tested his grit, but they also fueled his underdog appeal.
2025 and Beyond: The Joy is Coming Legacy
Fido’s not slowing down. He teased a debut EP in 2025 (Premium Times), with five solo tracks including Joy is Coming. Rumors of a Kizz Daniel collab and YBNL buzz (sparked by Do2dtun on X) hint at bigger moves. “I’m headed to the O2 Arena,” he grinned, quoting a mystery star’s prophecy. How did Fido go from unknown to Afrobeats fame in 2024? He rode a wave of hits, hustle, and heart—and he’s just getting started.
Join the Oosha FC: Are You Team Fido?
Fido’s fanbase, dubbed “Oosha FC,” is growing fast. Which track hooked you—Awolowo’s street vibe or Joy is Coming’s uplift? Drop your fave in the comments! Follow his rise on X (@MrFidooooo) and tag us (@NaijaTopCelebs) with #FidoFever. Share this post—let’s spread the joy, Naija-style!
Final Thoughts
From Matogun’s dusty streets to Afrobeats’ global stage, Fido’s 2024 rise is pure fire. How Fido went from unknown to Afrobeats fame in 2024—the Awolowo and Joy is Coming crooner—shows what happens when talent meets timing. No silver spoon, just a mic and a dream. Stay locked to NaijaTopCelebs for more on Nigeria’s hottest stars—Fido’s story is proof the hustle pays off!
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