Fido emphatically burst onto the Nigerian music landscape in 2024 with the viral single Awolowo, which put his name out in the ether. Barely four months later, he established himself as the breakout star of the year with the smash hit record Joy Is Coming, the unofficial Detty December soundtrack.
The record has been streamed over 100 million times across all Digital streaming platforms and peaked very high in charts across the world, most notably on the U.S. Billboard Afrobeats Chart, where it peaked at No. 5.
Following its success came a highly publicised split with the Caleb Oyolola-led Inner Circle Entertainment. Fido accused the label of withholding his advance, and soon after, he drew widespread backlash from fans and music marketing professionals for his dismissive comments on the role of marketers in today’s music ecosystem.
Despite all these setbacks, Fido has maintained his focus on the music. His self-titled album, Olayemi, is his first official full-length release with the Ghazi Shami-led global music powerhouse Empire, with which he inked a lucrative distribution deal early in the year. The album captures the mindset of an artist revelling in his newfound success whilst displaying his palpable talent.
You don’t know that I’m legendary. Since the days and Jerry, he sings on the chest-thumping opener Dollarpor, where he celebrates his elevated financial status, likening his wealth to an ocean incapable of drying up. The record sets the tone, embodying the braggadocio and confidence the album exudes.
He continues to celebrate his financial success on the heavy percussion-driven, high-energy anthem Money Moves. His swaggering delivery carries a defiant undertone, while his lyrics reflect on God’s blessings, hard work, and the scepticism of doubters.
On Omo Ologo, he declares himself a child of glory, emphasising his destined greatness and unshakeable confidence. He embodies a man whose newfound status has made him a victim of betrayal, envy and continuous attempts to dim his light. “Dem try to spoil my life / Dem try to put me down,” he laments, pointing accusatory fingers, presumably at his former label for manipulating the internet against him. “Manipulating for Instagram/ Dem bad belle me lori Twitter / Aya, aya, aya, aya / Because I ask you for my raba,” he sings. Yet, he maintains his stance that Joy Is Coming with the smash hit, finding its place on this album at track three.
Fido can’t hide the fact that he is largely influenced by Wande Coal, even if he tries. The melody-moulding maestro’s imprint is across the album from Fido’s vocal inflexions, adlibs and even his ability to adapt to different sonic environments. He employs Wande Coal-esque trap flows over the trap banger, where he reflects on his unpleasant formative years before basking in the euphoria of his success and his elevated profile in his hood.
Not every attempt lands. Boko—intended as a pulsating dance number—suffers from weak lyricism and a scattered structure, robbing it of the impact it aims for. But his talent shines through on I Miss You Die, a deeply compelling cut with sharp songwriting and emotional clarity. Here, the influence of Kizz Daniel is unmistakable, and fittingly, Uncle K himself appears on the remix of Joy Is Coming, closing the loop between Fido and his idols.
Overall, the album is a strong showing from the rising star. The writing reflects the mindset of a man living in the moment and documenting his reality as it unfolds. Across eight tracks, he puts his talent on full display for his listeners, inviting them into his world and doing enough to make them stay. It’s a fine project.
Here’s the problem.
If, like Drake, Wande Coal finds imitation irritating, then he would have plenty to complain about her. This album leans so heavily on Coal’s style that a casual listener might mistake it for his work. While there’s a noticeable gap in lyrical depth between the two, Fido’s melodies, delivery, and adlibs all echo his predecessor to a fault.
If he’s going to endure in this industry, Fido will have to stamp his own identity on his influences. Right now, he looks like a copycat.
