FIDO: An MM Exclusive Interview

In just under a year, rising Afrofusion star FIDO has done what most artists spend years chasing, amassing over 350 million streams, topping charts with viral anthems like Awolowo and Joy Is Coming, and carving out a reputation as one of Afrobeats’ most exciting new voices. Now, with the release of his self-titled debut EP OLAYEMI, the British-Nigerian talent is taking things to the next level.

The 8-track project isn’t just a collection of songs, it’s a statement of identity. Named after his real name, Olayemi introduces listeners to the many layers of FIDO: his faith, his resilience, his love life, and his roots in Nigerian youth culture. With collaborations like Joy Is Coming featuring Kizz Daniel and crowd favourites such as Money Moves, the EP blends modern Afrobeats with a spiritual edge, offering both celebration and reflection.

We caught up with FIDO to talk about the meaning behind Olayemi, the lessons from his whirlwind rise, and what comes next for an artist already pushing Afrofusion onto a global stage.

C: Congratulations on the release of OLAYEMI! Naming your debut EP after yourself is a bold statement — what does this project represent for you personally and artistically?

F: You know, I love this question. Artistically, Olayemi is my way of introducing different sides of myself as I step into the next stage of my career. This project carries my culture, my love life, and my personal experiences — every song holds a real story. Personally, Olayemi feels like the foundation, the groundwork that opens the door for Fido to step fully onto the global stage. It’s me saying, “this is who I am,” before I take everything to the next level.

C: You’ve already hit over 350 million streams in under a year, with viral tracks like “Awolowo” and “Joy Is Coming.” How has that rapid rise shaped your perspective on your journey so far?

F: I feel blessed to have reached that milestone — you don’t even understand. I remember the first time I hit 100 million streams, the feeling was unreal. It changed my perspective and my work ethic completely. Now that it’s not just me and my guys listening anymore, I’ve had to push myself harder — not just creatively, but in every area of my life. It’s made me realize that this journey is bigger than me, and I have to keep growing to match where the music is taking me.

C: “Money Moves” and other songs on the EP touch on themes of faith, resilience, and self-belief. Why are those ideas so central to your music and the story you’re telling right now?

F: I didn’t come from much, my struggle days were more than my happy days. But my faith kept me standing, and it taught me resilience. People are just getting to know Fido, but behind the surface there’s a lot of life that shaped me. That’s the story I wanted to bring into Olayemi, to show that my music isn’t just vibes, it’s rooted in what I’ve lived through and what I believe in. Faith, resilience, and self-belief are not just themes, they’re survival tools for me, and I know a lot of people can relate to that.

C: Afrobeats is constantly evolving, blending with different genres globally. You’ve said your music is “spiritual” — how do you bring that energy into Afrofusion while still keeping it fresh and exciting for a global audience?

F: For me, I don’t force it. My music is spiritual because I let it call to me, it comes from within. I don’t create based on what’s “trending” or what’s “selling.” I just tap into the sound that feels natural to me at the moment. That’s why music remains the most universal language, there are no language barriers. And that’s also why Afrobeats keeps evolving. As long as I stay true to my sound, it will always feel fresh, authentic, and exciting no matter where in the world it lands.

C: With OLAYEMI marking such an important milestone, what’s next for FIDO? Are there new sounds, collaborations, or stages you’re most excited to explore?

F: Of course!!! We’re just getting started. There’s so much more coming: new music, unexpected collaborations, world tours… Olayemi is just the beginning of my journey. I can’t wait for the world to witness everything that’s about to unfold. This is the foundation, but the vision is much bigger. Osha!