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Controversial street-hop singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has once again stirred heated debate online after boldly declaring that he has helped more people in the Nigerian music industry than top names such as Don Jazzy, Olamide, Wizkid, and Davido combined.
The outspoken “Zazu” crooner made the claim in a recently circulated video where he spoke passionately about his influence, insisting that his contributions extend far beyond recording songs or featuring artistes.
According to Portable, his style of empowerment is practical and direct, aimed at upcoming artistes, street hustlers, and everyday Nigerians who lack access to record labels or influential connections.
Portable maintained that unlike many industry heavyweights who “do big man” and maintain a certain level of detachment, he freely mingles with ordinary fans.
He stressed that he consistently reposts videos from supporters who dance to his songs, create content inspired by his music, or mimic his signature street style. To him, this is genuine support—something he believes most celebrities rarely offer without strings attached.
He went further to accuse some established artistes of being overly selective and transactional when it comes to helping new talents. Portable stated that even when an upcoming artiste has money or influence, some celebrities still refuse to collaborate or assist unless it benefits them directly.
In contrast, he claimed he has opened his doors to many without expecting anything in return.
In his words, “Many Nigerian celebrities won’t post their fans even if they dance to their songs. But me, I repost every positive video about me. Even with your money, many celebrities won’t let you feature them as an upcoming artiste. But I help people freely.
I have helped more people in the music industry than Don Jazzy, Olamide, Wizkid, and Davido.”
Portable added that real empowerment involves taking someone from the streets, offering shelter, providing clothes and food, paying for studio sessions, and helping them discover their sound.
He argued that this is what true mentorship should look like rather than signing artistes under strict contracts or using their talents for profit.
The singer also complained that many artistes are quick to label protégés “ungrateful” once they begin to grow independently. He insisted that support should not be conditional or exploitative, and that people deserve the chance to stand on their own without being guilt-tripped.
His comments immediately ignited mixed reactions across social media. While some users laughed off the statement as another round of Portable’s trademark bragging, others admitted that he has indeed offered opportunities to several rising artistes and dancers since his breakout in 2021.
A user wrote, “Portable no dey disappoint with bragging. But he actually helped some people sha.” Another quipped, “Mentioning Olamide and Don Jazzy in this comparison is wild!”
Olamide and Don Jazzy are widely regarded as two of Nigeria’s biggest talent builders, having discovered and nurtured stars like Fireboy DML, Asake, Tiwa Savage, Rema, Ayra Starr, Lil Kesh, and others over the years.
Still, Portable’s bold assertion has added fuel to ongoing conversations about what true support means in the entertainment industry—and whether street-level generosity should be measured on the same scale as structured artist development.
The video continues to trend online as fans weigh in on whether Portable’s claim is exaggerated or a reflection of the unique type of help he claims to provide.
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