For many people, MC Fish’s recent appearance on WithChude was expected to be another conversation about just celebrity marriage, heartbreak and public scrutiny.
Instead, what emerged was something more reflective. Over the course of the interview, the entertainer looked back on the defining moments that have shaped his life. From the accidental nickname that became his identity and the career setbacks that tested his resolve to the public controversies that forced him to develop a thicker skin.
Of course, the conversation eventually turned to his highly publicised separation from actress Anita Joseph. But rather than dwell on blame or bitterness, MC Fish spoke about growth, responsibility and the lessons he has taken from every chapter of his journey.
How a Secondary School Nickname Created MC Fish
Long before he became a familiar face in Nigeria’s nightlife and entertainment scene, MC Fish was simply Fisayo Michael Olagunju, a secondary school student trying to settle into a new environment. According to him, the nickname that would eventually define his career came about completely by accident.
Recounting the story during his conversation with Chude Jideonwo, released June 3, 2026, he explained that he had just transferred to a new school when an Igbo classmate struggled to pronounce his name and instead called him “Fishayo”.
What began as a simple mistake quickly caught on among his friends. By the time he got to university, the nickname had become so popular that attempts to reintroduce himself by his birth name proved unsuccessful.
“I tried to even rebrand it,” he recalled. “I introduced myself as Michael, but I ran into my secondary school mates and they resumed the fishiness. It spread like wildfire.” Eventually, he embraced the name rather than fight it. Years later, the nickname that started as a schoolyard joke became the brand under which many Nigerians came to know him.
From Computer Science to the Microphone
Like many young people, MC Fish’s original career path looked very different from the life he eventually built for himself.
After leaving the University of Lagos, he enrolled at Lead City University to study Computer Science, a decision partly influenced by his father’s engineering background. At the time, he said he genuinely enjoyed technology and even imagined a future as a mechanical engineer because of his love for cars.
But everything changed at a party. When the event’s MC was unavailable, he grabbed the microphone and began entertaining the crowd using music, ad-libs and spontaneous commentary. That moment sparked a realisation.
“I realized that I can actually be an MC and I can actually do this,” he said.
While still in university, he began travelling between Ibadan and Lagos to host events and build his profile in the nightlife industry. He also found a mentor called Lamu, whom he credits with helping him understand the craft of hosting and crowd engagement. By the time he graduated, entertainment was no longer a side interest, it had become his future.
The Empty Hall That Taught Him His Biggest Lesson
One of the most defining moments of MC Fish’s career came not from success but from failure. He recalled organising a large-scale event called Drip Drop, a party concept he believed could become a major attraction.
Confident in the idea, he secured a venue, booked artists and assembled everything needed for what he hoped would be a successful launch. The turnout, however, was disappointing. Looking back, he admitted that the experience exposed several mistakes he made as a first-time event organiser.
“I tried to do everything myself,” he said. He added that the setback taught him the importance of delegation, teamwork and surrounding himself with people who genuinely believe in a vision.
“I learned that no man is an island.”
Although the event failed, he refused to let it define him. “Life is full of battles,” he reflected. “Just sit through it. It’s not going to come easy.”
The lesson stayed with him. A year later, he revealed he organised another event on a smaller scale and achieved better results.
Developing a Thick Skin in the Public Eye
Years before his marriage became a topic of public debate, MC Fish faced another challenge when his identity was allegedly used in a scam.
Although he was not responsible, his name became linked to the controversy after accusations surfaced online.
“It was the first time I was out for negative things,” he recalled. The experience according to him was particularly difficult because social media was becoming increasingly influential at the time. Fortunately, he had the support of family and friends who stood by him while the matter was being clarified.
“My family was there,” he said. While the incident was eventually resolved, it changed the way he approached criticism.
“So after that experience, thick skin started.”
The episode taught him an important lesson about public perception and emotional resilience, that would later prove valuable when his personal life became headline news.
Why He Says Marriage Is a School, Not a Scar
The most talked-about part of the interview centred on his crashed marriage to movie actress, Anita Joseph and the lessons he took away from it.
Asked whether the experience had scarred him, MC Fish rejected the idea. Instead, he described marriage as a learning experience. “Marriage is a school,” he said. Drawing a comparison to the different stages of education, he argued that people grow through relationships just as they grow through life. He admitted:
“Not every marriage succeeds. I can say it out there. I failed in my first.”
Still, he refuses to view the marriage solely through the lens of its ending. He said, “there were good moments. There were bad moments.” For him, the experience was simply another chapter of life filled with lessons, growth and perspective.
The Real Reason the Marriage Ended
Addressing the breakup directly, MC Fish said the marriage ended because the differences between them had become irreconcilable. He said:
“The reason why it ended was because it was irreconcilable.”
“Rather than it becoming toxic and you start hearing some funny news that’s going to be more damaging than this, I decided to walk away.”
According to him, the decision was made for his peace of mind and the wellbeing of everyone involved.He also acknowledged that many fans were hurt by the separation because they had embraced a particular image of the marriage.
However, he reminded people that public figures are still human beings. No matter how inspiring a relationship may appear from the outside, he said, the realities behind closed doors can be far more complicated.
Setting the Record Straight on Financial Narratives
Another topic MC Fish addressed was the long-running claim that he depended financially on Anita Joseph. He firmly rejected that narrative.
According to him, his decision not to publicly challenge such claims in the past stemmed from a desire not to compete for attention with his wife.
“I’m not someone that wants to share the spotlight or steal the spotlight.”
He pointed to his 16-year career in the nightlife industry as evidence that he has consistently earned a living and supported himself.
“I’ve been working in nightlife for 16 years.”
For MC Fish, the issue was not about comparing incomes but correcting what he believes is a false perception of his role within the marriage.
“How have I not held my own down? How have I not done my own duties as a husband? I have.”
Why He Doesn’t Regret Marrying at 27
Despite how things eventually turned out, MC Fish insists he has no regrets about marrying at the age of 27. Asked if he thought he married too young, he responded without hesitation.
“No. No. No.”
He explained that at the time, he was happy, respected and convinced he had found someone he wanted to spend his life with.
“If you love someone and if you care for someone, you shouldn’t be too afraid to do whatever you want to do with the person.”
He also described himself as someone who naturally believes in possibilities rather than fear. He added, “I’m someone that always believes in optimism.” For him, the end of the marriage does not invalidate the sincerity of the decision he made at the time.
Respect, Acceptance and Moving Forward
Despite the separation, MC Fish made it clear that he still respects Anita Joseph. Throughout the interview, he avoided blame and repeatedly acknowledged the support many people continue to show his former partner.
He also reflected on the expectations people often place on public figures and reminded viewers that he is more than the narratives that circulate online. As the interview drew to a close, he appealed for understanding and support for both himself and Anita.
Conclusion
If there was one message that echoed throughout MC Fish’s conversation with Chude Jideonwo, it was that life is rarely defined by a single success or failure.
