Fido, the Nigerian singer, has come under fire after making allegations of financial mismanagement against Inner Circle Entertainment, his former marketing company.
On Wednesday, the ‘Joy is Coming’ hitmaker took to social media to express his frustration with marketing companies, claiming they often deceive artistes into believing they are being supported.
He alleged that the companies generate revenue from the artistes but turn against them when they become independent and aware of their worth.
“Marketing company to make you feel like na them Dey help your life, whereas na you Dey make money for them, dem go still make you feel like say without them you no go fit make am,” he wrote in pidgin English.
“My brothers and sisters open your eyes and be wise, the day you show to them they you know what you’re doing they turn your enemies and they paint you bad out there. #shineyoureyes.”
In another post, the songwriter claimed that nobody discovered him, arguing that he found his own path with God’s guidance. He warned his fans not to believe anyone who claims to have discovered him.
“Nobody discovered me, na me discover myself, anywhere you see say person talk say na dem discover me, na scam oo,” the post reads.
“Na God discover me not man. No let them scam you oooooo. #onlyGod is the key.”
Fido also accused Inner Circle Entertainment of withholding his music financial records and lacking transparency.
He said he was a simple person who wanted to work and earn his percentage, but the company was trying to take advantage of him.
“I’m a very simple person , let’s work and everybody Take their own percentage, but them now trying to take advantage of me cause I don’t talk, Is what I won’t take,” he added.
“You were paid for the marketing, then you want to earn more money than the artist, which I had no problem with them earning more than me, which they did, but not allowing me to see the backend of my music, is what I won’t take.”
Caleb Oyolola, founder of Inner Circle Entertainment, responded to Fido’s allegations, defending his company’s actions.
He said Inner Circle Entertainment discovered Fido, built his brand and invested in his career.
“Inner Circle discovered you, gave you a name, and built your brand. I personally convinced Bimbo to come on board. We pushed ‘Awolowo’ together in Bariga. Now you dare say we never invested in you? He talks about investors as if he brought them. Investors wey invest in the team,” he wrote.
He dismissed Fido’s claims of financial mismanagement, explaining that marketing expenses were covered and that an option activation was necessary for an advance payment.
Oyolola urged Fido to focus on his future, suggesting that the ongoing dispute seemed unnecessary unless it was a publicity strategy for his next release.
“This guy claimed we took his money and we didn’t spend money on Mr Lover marketing. He said we activated option and he didn’t know, yet baba was expecting advance. How do you expect advance without an option being activated,” he added.
“Honestly, I’m baffled by how someone can be making progress yet remain haunted by their past. It’s wild, honestly. You just signed a major deal with Empire-congrats! But instead of dwelling on old drama, focus on the future.
“Fido, You’ve got so much ahead of you; channel your energy there. All this back-and-forth feels unnecessary-unless it’s some strategy to create buzz for your next release.”
Several users, including singer Joeboy, have taken to X to express their disappointment with Fido’s comments.
Fido, who broke into the mainstream after his single ‘Awolowo,’ began his career with Inner Circle Entertainment.
However, in February, his record label Oosha Records announced a partnership with the independent music company EMPIRE.
