With his recently released extended play, The Men, The Boys and Your Guy, still performing strongly on music charts, Spyro continues to expand his reach through collaborations with prominent artistes across Africa. In a conversation with journalists Nelly Ikwuonu and Eunice Olaleye, the singer reflected on his personal life, musical journey, struggles before fame, and the values that shape his career.
Beyond the music persona
While fans often associate him with his hit songs and polished stage persona, Spyro insists that there is much more to him than what the public sees online. According to the singer, he is simply “a regular human being,” a deeply spiritual person who proudly describes himself as “a Jesus boy.”
He explains that beyond the professional image people are familiar with, he is naturally jovial and playful—traits that many fans rarely see on social media. The artiste says he is considering revealing more of that lighthearted side to his audience in the future, particularly for his most dedicated supporters who already know him beyond the music.
A childhood surrounded by music
Spyro’s musical foundation began early in life. Growing up as the child of a pastor, he was immersed in church activities and music from a young age. He started in the choir and eventually rose to the role of assistant music director, an experience that significantly shaped his discipline and musical orientation.
But the church was not his only source of inspiration. Raised in Mushin, a vibrant Lagos neighbourhood known for its bustling street culture, Spyro encountered music everywhere. Cassette vendors in the area frequently played songs loudly, exposing him to a wide range of musical styles.
On the streets he heard Fuji music and local gospel sounds, including songs by artistes such as Yinka Ayefele and other gospel performers popular at the time. Meanwhile, contemporary Nigerian pop by 2Baba also formed part of the soundscape.
At home, his exposure extended to international gospel artists including Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, and Panam Percy Paul. The blend of genres—from Fuji to gospel to pop—would later influence the diverse style he describes as “universal music.”
Early struggles and financial hardship
Despite discovering his passion for music early, Spyro’s path was far from easy. Like many aspiring artists, financial constraints posed a major challenge.
After completing secondary school, he took up a job selling recharge cards, earning about ₦4,000. Rather than spending the money, he saved it to fund his first studio recording session in 2008. Pursuing music was particularly difficult because his father initially did not support the career path, forcing him to work independently and sometimes secretly pursue his passion.
Recording sessions were often done quietly, and he sometimes had to hide his trips to the studio. Even after completing university, life remained unstable. At certain points he had no permanent residence, moving between friends’ homes in different parts of Lagos.
He vividly recalls a period when his personal belongings were scattered across locations—his mattress in Oshodi, while his clothes were kept in Gbagada—reflecting how uncertain his living situation had become.
There were also moments when he was forced out of his accommodation and had nowhere to stay. Yet he deliberately avoided returning home, believing that comfort might derail his determination to succeed.
Battling insecurity and rejection
Beyond financial struggles, Spyro says he faced emotional challenges during his early years in the industry. He admits to struggling with an inferiority complex, often feeling unattractive and overlooked.
According to him, there were times when people avoided associating with him, which deepened his sense of rejection. Those experiences, he says, shaped his perspective on life and eventually strengthened his resolve to succeed.
Writing songs rooted in real life
Spyro attributes the popularity of many of his songs to their relatability. Rather than writing abstract lyrics, he prefers to draw inspiration from everyday life and personal experiences.
Songs like Beautiful, Stand By You, No Gree for Anybody, and Only Fine Girl reflect situations that many listeners recognize from their own lives.
The inspiration behind Who Is Your Guy? was also deeply personal. Spyro explains that during his years of struggle, friends often stepped in to support him financially or emotionally. Those real-life experiences became the foundation for the song’s theme of loyalty and friendship.
Changing dynamics in the music industry
The singer believes the Nigerian music industry has changed dramatically over time. While talent once played a dominant role in determining success, he argues that financial resources now carry greater influence.
According to him, the industry increasingly rewards viral trends and audience relatability rather than purely musical skill. He believes the ideal situation would be a balance between talent and financial investment in promotion.
Spyro also notes that social media trends sometimes encourage content designed primarily for entertainment or “cruise,” rather than artistic quality.
Pressure to compromise values
Like many artists, Spyro has experienced pressure to conform to industry trends, including incorporating explicit content into his music.
He recounts an instance when members of his team suggested recording a song centered on explicit themes. However, he declined, explaining that such content did not align with his personal beliefs or artistic identity.
The singer emphasizes that while he does not judge others for their choices, he maintains strict rules in his own creative environment. For example, he prohibits smoking and certain language in his studio.
These principles, he admits, have sometimes discouraged potential collaborators who view his stance as overly strict or judgmental.
Advocating values and mentorship
Spyro believes musicians have a responsibility to influence society positively. In his view, celebrities play a powerful role in shaping the attitudes and behaviours of young people.
Concerned about negative influences, he has embarked on tours of secondary schools, speaking with students about values, discipline, and education.
During these visits, he says he has encountered students who have lost interest in schooling because they see social media personalities achieving fame without formal education. He worries that such trends could mislead young people into pursuing shortcuts to success.
Navigating an independent career
For much of his career, Spyro has operated as an independent artiste, a path he acknowledges is both empowering and demanding.
Running his own career allows him creative freedom, but it also requires handling major business decisions typically managed by record labels. The singer admits that there were moments when he felt pressure after seeing peers such as Shallipopi, Asake, and Burna Boy achieve rapid success.
Eventually, however, he accepted that every artiste’s journey unfolds at a different pace.
Spyro also revealed that he once turned down a lucrative deal from a major international label after researching the company and discovering expectations that conflicted with his religious beliefs.
The Tiwa Savage collaboration
The remix of Who Is Your Guy? featuring Tiwa Savage marked a turning point in Spyro’s career.
According to him, social media personality Tunde Ednut initially suggested taking the song to the next level by collaborating with another major artiste. Although names like Olamide and Asake were considered, Spyro ultimately chose Tiwa Savage after praying about the decision.
The collaboration proved successful, earning the Best Collaboration award at both the Headies Awards and the AFRIMMA Awards. Spyro describes Savage as supportive and professional, noting that she recorded her verse quickly and made the process seamless.
The hidden pressures of fame
While success brought recognition and financial opportunities, Spyro says it also introduced unexpected pressures.
One of the biggest challenges, he explains, is the assumption that celebrities possess unlimited wealth. Fans, acquaintances, and even strangers frequently request financial assistance, sometimes for large expenses such as overseas tuition fees.
The pressure to maintain a luxurious image can also push artists into heavy spending, as public perception often determines how much they earn from performances. According to Spyro, many entertainers feel compelled to maintain an expensive lifestyle to remain competitive.
He revealed that in 2023 alone, more than half of his income went toward philanthropy and financial assistance to others.
Diversifying beyond music
Despite his success in music, Spyro says he has invested heavily in business ventures outside the entertainment industry. His primary focus is real estate, which he describes as a reliable source of income.
The singer believes diversification is essential for long-term financial stability, noting that even successful musicians must plan for life beyond the stage.
Faith as the foundation
Throughout his journey, Spyro insists that faith remains the central pillar of his life and career. He does not see spirituality as something separate from his work but rather as the foundation guiding his decisions.
In his view, artists should not feel ashamed to express their beliefs publicly, especially in an era where many openly display other aspects of their lifestyles online.
When asked to name “his guy,” referencing the phrase that popularized his hit song, Spyro offered a simple answer: God, alongside the loved ones and friends who supported him through the difficult years before success.