Spyro’s Struggle: From a Father’s Harsh Words to Chart-Topping Triumph
Behind the infectious beats and celebratory lyrics of his viral hit “Who Is Your Guy,” Nigerian singer Oludipe David, known globally as Spyro, carried a heavy, unseen burden for years: a crippling fear of failure, deeply rooted in the harsh words of his own father. In a raw and revealing conversation, the music star has opened up about his childhood struggles with atychiphobia and the profound psychological journey that led him from believing he would “die broke” to becoming one of Afrobeats’ most celebrated new acts.
The Weight of a Father’s Words
During an open, wide-ranging dialogue with veteran media personality Frank Edoho, shared on X (formerly Twitter), Spyro painted a poignant picture of a strict upbringing. He reflected on a childhood where discipline was often administered not just with actions, but with words that cut deep and left lasting scars.
“My dad contributed to that,” Spyro stated candidly, referring to his intense fear of failure. “He took every opportunity he got to always tell me that I am a failure.”
This constant reinforcement, intended or not, became a central narrative in the young artist’s mind. He internalized the criticism, leading him to a point where he, too, began to believe the label. This psychological battle wasn’t confined to his home life; it bled into his academic performance, creating a cycle of self-doubt that seemed inescapable.
Academic Struggles and a Crisis of Confidence
The singer’s challenges manifested clearly in his school years. He openly discussed facing significant difficulties with poor grades during secondary school. This academic performance, often a barometer of a young person’s future potential, only served to reinforce the negative self-image he was developing.
The struggle didn’t end there. As he progressed to university, the fear followed him. Spyro revealed that he even questioned whether he possessed the capability to complete his degree. The specter of failure loomed so large that it threatened to derail his entire educational path. This period represents a classic manifestation of atychiphobia—an irrational and persistent fear of failing—which can paralyze ambition and stifle potential before it ever has a chance to flourish.
The Brink of Despair: “I Thought I Was Going to Die Broke”
Perhaps the most striking admission from the artist was the depth of his despair before his musical breakthrough. The cumulative effect of his childhood experiences and ongoing struggles crystallized into a grim prediction for his own life.
“I thought I was going to die broke,” Spyro recalled, a sentiment that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped by their circumstances. This wasn’t a fleeting worry but a deeply held belief about his ultimate destiny. It’s a powerful reminder that behind the glamorous facade of the music industry, many artists wage intense internal wars long before they ever see the spotlight.
His confession sheds light on the immense pressure faced by young Nigerians, particularly men, to achieve financial success and societal validation. The fear of not measuring up, compounded by familial expectations, can create an unbearable weight. For Spyro, this fear became a central part of his identity, one he had to consciously dismantle to move forward.
The Turning Point: A Spiritual and Career Pivot
So, how does one escape such a deeply ingrained cycle of fear and self-doubt? For Spyro, the path to liberation was twofold, involving both a spiritual awakening and a pragmatic career shift.
The singer revealed that he began to overcome his fear of failure by actively cultivating a personal relationship with God. This spiritual foundation provided him with a new sense of purpose and self-worth that was separate from the negative labels of his past. It offered a different narrative—one of inherent value and potential, regardless of earthly achievements or failures.
Simultaneously, the practical realities of life were pressing. The music career he had poured his heart into had yet to yield the success he dreamed of. The fear was on the verge of winning. Spyro disclosed that he was perilously close to quitting music altogether. In a move that many struggling artists will recognize, he had already begun pivoting to a new profession, starting a career in interior design as a more stable, albeit less passionate, alternative.
It was at this precise moment of near-surrender—when he had one foot out the door of the music industry—that destiny, or perhaps divine timing, intervened.
The Viral Breakthrough: “Who Is Your Guy” Changes Everything
In 2022, just as Spyro was preparing to walk away, his single “Who Is Your Guy” was released. The track didn’t just perform well; it exploded into a nationwide, and then global, internet sensation. The catchy tune, with its confident lyrics and danceable rhythm, became an anthem, played in clubs, parties, and on social media platforms across the continent and beyond.
The song’s success was no fluke. Its virality was cemented in 2023 with a high-profile remix featuring none other than Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage. This collaboration didn’t just boost the song’s profile; it launched Spyro from a viral one-hit-wonder into the stratosphere of bona fide Afrobeats stars. The boy who was told he was a failure was now sharing tracks with one of the most successful artists in Africa.
The industry took notice. Later that year, the powerful collaboration earned the prestigious Best Collaboration award at the 16th Headies Awards, Nigeria’s equivalent of the Grammys. The award was more than just a trophy; it was a tangible, undeniable refutation of every harsh word and every fearful thought that had haunted him for years.
Lessons in Resilience and Redefining Success
Spyro’s story is more than a classic tale of overnight success. It is a profound lesson in resilience, the power of mindset, and the long-lasting impact of childhood words. His journey underscores a critical truth: success is often forged in the fires of adversity, and the loudest cheers frequently follow the quietest moments of despair.
His experience also highlights the importance of finding one’s own source of validation. By shifting his focus from his father’s criticism to his spiritual faith and his own inherent talents, he was able to build a foundation strong enough to support his dreams. It serves as a powerful testament for anyone grappling with imposter syndrome or the weight of external expectations.
Furthermore, his near-pivot to interior design is a reminder that it’s okay to have a “Plan B.” The path to success is rarely a straight line, and sometimes, acknowledging your fears and preparing for alternative outcomes can be a strategic move, not a sign of weakness. In Spyro’s case, it was the peace of mind from having a backup plan that perhaps allowed him to persevere just a little while longer.
A New Narrative for a New Generation
Today, Spyro is actively rewriting his life’s narrative. By speaking openly about his struggles with fear and failure, he is using his platform to destigmatize these common human experiences. For every young fan who sings along to “Who Is Your Guy,” there is now an underlying message of hope: your past does not define your future, and the words of others do not have to become your truth.
His story is a beacon for a generation often pressured to present a facade of effortless success. It reminds us that behind many triumphant smiles are untold stories of battle, and that true strength lies not in the absence of fear, but in the courage to move forward in spite of it. Spyro’s music may get people on the dance floor, but his journey has the power to inspire them long after the music stops.
Full credit to the original publisher: Information Nigeria – https://www.informationng.com/2025/10/i-always-had-fear-of-failure-thought-i-was-going-to-die-broke-spyro.html