Understand the lyrics of Fido’s “Chickendo.” We break down the Nigerian Pidgin, Yoruba, and cultural references like “Detty December” and “Obi Cubana.”
Fido’s “Chickendo” uses a mix of Nigerian Pidgin, Yoruba, and cultural touchpoints to build its narrative of hustle and holiday joy. The central, repeated phrase “money on my mind” establishes the song’s unwavering focus. Fido then name-drops common Nigerian names like Chinedu and Chibuzor, a playful call to his peers that grounds the track in everyday reality. The lyrics make a direct cultural reference to the festive “Detty December” period, a time known for lavish spending and celebration across West Africa. He further anchors the song in contemporary Nigerian pop culture by mentioning socialite Obi Cubana, known for his extravagant parties, turning the name into a verb for financial assistance. The line “Mama and papa them go jolly” ties the financial ambition to a core value: providing for and sharing success with family. Fido switches to Yoruba for a key verse, stating “Everyday I work so that my money increases” and “Let it rain on me so I can enjoy.”
fido chickendo
This multilingual approach not only broadens the song’s appeal across Nigerian ethnic groups but also emphasizes the universal grind. The title itself, “Chickendo,” plays on words, likely merging “chicken” – often a symbol of feast and prosperity – with a catchy, memorable suffix. The lyrics avoid complex storytelling, opting instead for a potent, repetitive mantra about focus, work, and the rightful enjoyment of profits. This makes the song an effective anthem, easy to chant along to, while embedding it firmly within the specific social context of Nigerian end-of-year celebration and the broader Afrobeats tradition of celebrating success.
Produced by Choke Boi
10 December 2025
1 song, 1 minute
℗ 2025 Oosha Records Ltd / EMPIRE
Lyrics
Money on money on
Money on money on
Money on money on
Money on my mind
Money on money on
Money on money on
Money on money on
Money on my mind
Igbokewnu
Chinedu, Chibuzor where my money dey
As I see me so, I no dey use my money play
Onwa December, wotoporous everywhere
Obi cubana, I say help me send money
Wotoporous December, say na detty December
Response (money on money on money on my mind)
Mama and papa
Them go jolly
Chickenkdo
Money on money on
Money on money on
Money on money on
Money on my mind
Everyday Mo sise ki owo mi sha ti pe
Yhhh
Kó sú sàn wó mí ké mí shà tí gbàdún
Kémí shá tí gbà dún ayé mí Han aaah
Wotoporous December, say na detty December
Response (money on money on money on my mind)
Mama and papa
Them go jolly o
Money on money on
Money on money on
Money on money on
Money on my mind
Chickendo
Money on money on
Money on money on
Money on money on
Money on my mind
Chickendo
