MY STORY
Rio Fidel aka R.I.O
You've heard of the name, now get to know the man!
Rio Fidel (also known as R.I.O) is an established artist hailing from Manchester, UK. Learning his trade on the Manchester underground music scene in Moss side with (Streetsmart Crew), Rio Fidel quickly became a household name in his hometown. RIO's first single 'Narrow Roads' (Prod by Bless beats) went on to gain great momentum with Radio 1 and Radio BBC 1Xtra DJs - Target, Mista Jam, Annie Nightingale, Mary Anne Hobbs, Dj Cameo, Ras Kwame, Twin B & DJ Q who heavily supported the Mancunian star. The single went straight in at Number 4 on the BBC 1xtra's UKG chart and was featured on Sky sports show 'Soccer AM'.Following up from the success of 'Narrow roads' RIO released a mixtape 'Bottom to the top' that went on to clock 15,000 downloads in one week and was nominated for 'The best grime mixtape' 2010 at the Mixtape awards in London.
RIO's consistency and output led him to his most decorated video thus far 'Cant stop we' Feat Mr Benz. Within 3 days the video went viral reaching 150,000 views in just three days. Major press outlets were excited to identify how RIO managed to get a host of celebrities in his video including; Mario Balotelli, Rio Ferdinand, Misha B, Tim Westwood, Labrinth and Brooke Vincent. In 2013, RIO performed at the renowned Reading & Leeds Festival, marking an early milestone in his music career.
In 2021, RIO wrote and performed City of Dreams, the official theme song celebrating Manchester City's Premier League title win. The track was featured on the Premier League's official YouTube channel, further cementing his connection with Manchester and its sporting culture
If you've only just discovered RIO then the 'No Stone Unturned' Documentary is a good starting point to gain an insight into Rio Fidel's journey from 2008. The creation of the Manchester Grime scene, what it's like to perform in front of thousands and share the same stage with some of the worlds biggest artists.
Unfortunately personal issues got in the way of RIO's progression which led him to take a four year break from music. RIO returned in 2020 with renewed focus to announce his debut album, 'The Good, The Bad & The Ugly'. He later pursued his journey with Christ, releasing his final record of that chapter, 'Spiritual Warfare', in 2022. Fast forward to July 2026, Rio Fidel released 'GAFFA', a heartfelt tribute to his mentor, football coach and Mancunian legend Mike McKenzie. The song has received an overwhelming response from Mike's family, friends and the football community, with many describing it as an emotional and fitting tribute to his legacy.
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In the documentary below RIO shares insight into the production behind 'The Good, The Bad & The Ugly' album with behind the scenes footage working with fellow Manc producer JSD and recording with long time friend and fellow established artist Misha B.
MUSIC
Rio Fidel has always had music in his soul. His dad Steven Richards known in Manchester as Mr Ed aka Papaye was a well known sound system man who travelled the country with his sound setup. Rio Fidel's dad also plays the drums running classes around Manchester some of which he used to attend as a teenager. His mum Jannis Nelson a very elegant woman would always be playing Motown and reggae music regularly during weekends when house chores and cooking would commence. Music is a God given gift that enables Rio Fidel to connect with people around the world.
FAMILY
Rio Fidel is a family orientated artist. This has been and still is documented throughout his life. Having two handsome young boys his Fans and supporters have witnessed what a fantastic and loving Father he is. Not only to his own children but also being a part time carer for his Nana 'Ruby'. Rio Fidel goes above and beyond to ensure his family are always put first. He is the second youngest of his three other female siblings. Family to him is his top priority after his relationship with Christ.
Faith
Rio Fidel has been on his journey with Christ since 2016, growing in faith and learning along the way. In November 2022, he was baptised, publicly declaring his faith and commitment to following Christ. His faith continues to play an important role in his life, his work and the story he shares with others.
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BUSINESS
Rio Fidel is an independent business owner away from music. His business enables his clients to make compensation claims whenever they are eligible to do so. One of Rio Fidel's friends and mentor Craig Cornick introduced Rio Fidel to the claims industry and with his guidance Rio Fidel has saw success running multiple independent companies over the the past 10 years.
FITNESS
Rio Fidel has always been somebody who stayed fit throughout his life having played football at a reputable level for Barrow AFC who at the time were in the conference league. His father also was once the UK Thai boxing champion and would take him down to the gym to do pad work and core training. Rio Fidel now works closely with one of his best friends and Personal trainer Ramone Kelly aka 'DFE Kapo Dodga' (Health Lab) who helps him get into peak condition. Health is wealth and Rio Fidel demonstrates this all over his social media platforms inspiring his supporters daily to do the same.
fASHION
Rio Fidel has always had an eye for fashion through his Mother Jannis who ran her own fashion shop in Chicago called 'Xshatara'. Rio Fidel takes pride in his appearance and has made it clear it is an avenue he would like to explore in the near future. Check out out some of Rio Fidel's fashion pictures in the Gallery.
COMMUNITY
Community is something Rio Fidel takes seriously which is well documented throughout his music. Coming from a community that has suffered with Gang culture, drugs, violence etc Rio Fidel managed to navigate himself away in his mid 20s. Moss side is known for a lot of negativity but Rio Fidel demonstrates what can be achieved by overcoming fear and peer pressure, by travelling around the world and doing some major tours. Since his break in 2016 Rio Fidel has come back strong in 2020 with new content illustrating that his community is close to his heart with videos 'Black Lives Matter', ' Moss Side tribute' and 'One Voice freestyle. Rio Fidel is a community leader using his art to regain positivity.
