Singer Fido accuses former label of withholding advance payment

Nigerian singer Awosika Olayemi Josiah, popularly known as Fido, has publicly accused his former record label, Inner Circle Entertainment, of withholding the bulk of his advance payment.

Speaking during a radio interview, the ‘Joy Is Coming’ singer alleged that from a $20,000 advance intended for his hit single Awolowo, he received only about ₦1.5 million, with the label allegedly retaining roughly 95 percent of the funds.

Fido claimed that the disputed payment has hampered his career progress and limited opportunities in the music industry.

“I was transparent with you guys. Even when I was with you, you took all my advance. For Awolowo, you took 70%… no, actually 95%.

They gave me only N1.5 million out of $20,000. This is the first time I’m saying this, and there are facts to back it,” he said.

He added that efforts are ongoing to resolve the matter, but the situation has slowed the momentum he had built.

Fido gained mainstream attention with the release of Awolowo in August 2024 and began his professional career under Inner Circle Entertainment before leaving to pursue an independent path.

Known for his distinctive Afrofusion sound, Fido blends the soulful traditionality of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti with the modern edge of artists like Olamide and Kizz Daniel, incorporating contemporary trap, R&B, and dancehall beats into his music.