Nigerian singer Oludipe David, popularly known as Spyro, has spoken candidly about his long struggle with the fear of failure and how his father’s harsh words during childhood deeply affected his confidence and outlook on life.
In an emotional interview with veteran broadcaster Frank Edoho, the “Who Is Your Guy” crooner revealed that his father’s negative approach to discipline left a lasting mark on him, causing him to internalize feelings of inadequacy.
Spyro recounted that his father often used demeaning words while correcting him, which made him begin to believe he would never amount to anything.
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“My dad contributed a lot to that fear. He took every opportunity he got to always tell me that I am a failure,” Spyro said.
According to the singer, his father’s constant criticisms led him to struggle academically. He recalled failing subjects in secondary school and doubting his ability to complete his university education.
“I thought I was going to die broke. I always had this fear of failure,” he confessed. “At some point, I started believing that I was truly a failure. It affected my confidence in everything I did.”
Spyro said the fear followed him into adulthood, influencing his early music career and his personal life. He revealed that he once gave up on music entirely and ventured into interior design, believing his dream of becoming a successful artist would never come true.
However, things took a turn when he developed a personal relationship with God, which helped him confront and overcome his fears.
“I overcame that fear when I found God personally. My faith helped me understand that failure isn’t final and that I could still rise above my past,” he said.
Spyro’s breakthrough came in 2022 with the release of his hit single “Who Is Your Guy,” a track that quickly became an anthem across Africa and beyond.
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The song’s success was later amplified when he collaborated with Tiwa Savage on the remix in 2023, a move that solidified his place in the Afrobeats scene.
Later that year, the remix won Best Collaboration at the 16th Headies Awards, marking a full-circle moment for the singer who once doubted his own potential.
Today, Spyro says his story is a reminder that one’s past does not define the future.
“I thank God for changing my story. I went from being called a failure to being celebrated for my music,” he reflected. “Now I just want people to know that with faith and persistence, you can rewrite your destiny.”
Spyro’s testimony serves as a powerful message of hope for those battling self-doubt, showing that personal pain can be transformed into purpose and success.
