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Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has once again sparked debate in the music industry after openly criticizing some of Afrobeats’ biggest names. The outspoken Zazu crooner accused Wizkid, Davido, Olamide and Burna Boy of dominating the Nigerian music scene for too long and, in the process, making it difficult for emerging artistes to rise to the top.
Speaking in a video shared on his social media page, Portable claimed that the prolonged reign of the four superstars has limited opportunities for younger musicians who are struggling to break into the mainstream. According to him, their continued dominance over the past decade has slowed the emergence of fresh superstars within the industry.
“Wizkid, Olamide, Davido, and Burna Boy have been at the top for over 10 years and blocking the way for other artistes to come up,” he said.
Portable argued that while their success is undeniable, the industry needs more space for new voices to thrive. He suggested that the concentration of attention, endorsements and industry support around the same set of artistes has created a bottleneck, leaving upcoming acts with fewer chances to grow into global stars.
Beyond industry dominance, the singer also took aim at the lavish lifestyles frequently displayed by top Afrobeats artistes. He alleged that constant flaunting of luxury items such as expensive jewelry, cars and designer outfits places unnecessary pressure on young musicians who are still trying to find their footing.
According to Portable, many of these displays are misleading and create unrealistic expectations for newcomers who may feel compelled to chase wealth rather than focus on developing their craft.
“They also lie a lot, they can say they bought a chain for 1 billion dollars, whereas it might have been given to them for free,” he claimed.
The singer stressed that such exaggerations can distort the realities of success in the music industry, pushing younger artistes into unhealthy competition and financial strain. He argued that instead of constantly showcasing wealth, established musicians should be more mindful of how their actions influence the next generation.
Portable’s comments have reignited ongoing conversations about power dynamics in the Nigerian music scene, particularly the challenge of balancing the success of established stars with the need to nurture new talent. While Afrobeats continues to gain global recognition, some critics argue that the industry remains heavily centered around a small group of artistes.
The Zazu singer maintained that his comments were not driven by jealousy but by concern for the future of Nigerian music. He insisted that speaking out is necessary if meaningful change is to happen, especially for young artistes who feel overlooked.
Portable also made it clear that he has no intention of backing down, warning that he would continue to voice his opinions if he believes the situation remains unchanged.
He urged industry leaders and established musicians to reflect on their influence and create more opportunities for upcoming acts, whether through collaborations, mentorship or opening up platforms that allow new voices to be heard.
As expected, Portable’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions online, with some agreeing that Afrobeats needs to create more room for emerging artistes, while others defended the superstars, arguing that their longevity is a result of hard work, consistency and global appeal.
Regardless of the reactions, Portable’s latest outburst once again places him at the center of industry debate, reinforcing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most outspoken and controversial voices in contemporary music.
Watch him speak below:
“Wizkid, Olamide, Davido, and Burna Boy have been at the top for over 10 years and blocking the way for other artistes to come up… they also lie a lot, they can say they bought a chain for 1 billion dollars, whereas it might have been given to them for free.” — Portable pic.twitter.com/mNNIM122za
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) January 24, 2026
#Wizkid
#Portable
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