Nigerian music sensation Portable has added another feather to his cap as he was officially crowned the ‘King of Streets’ in a traditional ceremony held in Ore, Ondo State, marking another milestone in the artiste’s colorful career. The ceremony, which drew significant attention and celebration from locals, saw the controversial singer embrace traditional customs while receiving his new title.
The coronation ceremony, captured in a video shared on Portable’s Instagram page, showcased the “Zazuu Zeh” crooner dressed in pristine white traditional attire, surrounded by Yoruba traditional rulers who presided over the ceremony. The event featured full traditional customs, with the rulers formally pronouncing him as the King of Streets before adorning him with a crown and traditional beads on his neck and wrist.
In characteristic Portable style, the moment was marked by both ceremony and generosity, as the newly crowned ‘king’ was seen distributing money to the traditional rulers following his coronation. The gesture sparked widespread celebration among attendees and locals, further cementing the singer’s reputation for public philanthropy.
This latest honor adds to Portable’s growing collection of traditional titles, following his previous recognition as the Amuludun of Tigbo in Aworiland. The singer has shown a particular affinity for traditional recognition, having recently celebrated his first anniversary as a Royal chief alongside his wife Bewaji in Ota, Ogun State, where they were received with similar fanfare.
Portable’s journey to street royalty has been marked by both controversy and celebration. In June, he received another unique title as the ‘Godfather of single mothers,’ an honor that saw him surrounded by women in matching attire as he embraced the role of ‘ZEH GODFATHER.’ These various recognitions highlight the artist’s unusual ability to connect with different segments of society while maintaining his distinctive street credibility.
The ceremony in Ondo State has generated significant social media reaction, with fans and observers sharing diverse opinions about the latest addition to Portable’s growing list of titles. While some expressed concerns about potential future controversies, others celebrated the artist’s continued rise in influence and cultural recognition. Comments ranged from playful speculation about which of his wives would be crowned queen to admiration for his composed demeanor during the ceremony.
The event underscores the evolving nature of traditional recognition in contemporary Nigerian society, where street credibility and traditional honors increasingly intersect. Portable’s coronation as King of Streets represents a unique blend of modern urban culture with traditional institutional recognition, reflecting changing dynamics in Nigerian popular culture.
Throughout his career, Portable has maintained a controversial yet influential presence in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape. His ability to garner traditional recognition while maintaining his street appeal demonstrates the complex nature of modern Nigerian celebrity culture, where traditional institutions increasingly embrace popular figures regardless of their controversial public personas.
The celebration in Ondo State also highlights the growing influence of street culture in mainstream Nigerian society, with traditional institutions acknowledging and formalizing the impact of street artists and personalities. This convergence of street credibility and traditional recognition creates a new paradigm in how cultural influence is acknowledged and celebrated in contemporary Nigeria.
As Portable adds this new title to his growing list of accolades, the event serves as a testament to his unique position in Nigerian popular culture. Whether viewed as controversial or celebrated, his ability to bridge the gap between street culture and traditional recognition continues to shape his unique place in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.
