Street-hop sensation Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has sparked another round of online reactions after claiming he has helped more people in the industry than Nigeria’s biggest music powerhouses: Don Jazzy, Olamide, Wizkid, and Davido.
The controversial singer, whose rants intensified after alleging that Olamide failed to call him up to perform at his just-concluded London show; a stage shared proudly with Lil Kesh, Asake, and others, released a fresh video insisting that his contributions to “the trenches” outweigh those of the industry’s most respected leaders.
“I help people pass Don Jazzy, Olamide Baddo, Wizkid and Davido”, Portable declared boldly.
According to him, the top stars only show support when an artist is already buzzing enough to guarantee headlines, describing such support as “leverage, not help.”
Portable insisted his own efforts go far beyond jumping on a song.
“I don’t just feature on your music”, he said. “I pay for your first studio session, I clothe you, feed you, pay your rent. I help artists and anybody in business for real.” The singer stressed that this is what sets him apart from those who “only show face when it benefits them.”
But fans are far from convinced, with many suggesting his outburst stems more from bruised ego than altruism, especially after being excluded from major December shows and allegedly ignored by Olamide.
Reactions poured in across social media as one frustrated fan, @Andrew55614579, wrote, “I don tire for Portable matter.” Another, @0xfmilan, dismissed it entirely, “This one go just wake up one morning dey yarn dust.”
However, not everyone disagreed with him. @kristojin_ countered the critics, saying, “Na true Portable talk o… him dey for trenches! Him don help Young Duu, Mannie Money… him really don try. He even help Poco Lee!”
Some believe Portable understands the art of staying in the spotlight, with @ForestOfWealth noting, “This guy knows how to stay relevant online.” But @Hamxher_01 poked holes in his claims, “Portable wey dey sign like 50 upcoming musicians in one year and none of them go reach limelight?”
As expected, Portable’s latest declaration has once again split public opinion, between those who believe he genuinely uplifts the streets and those who think he simply enjoys stirring the waters to stay trending.