Renowned celebrity designer Toyin Lawani has lavished praise on controversial singer Portable, describing him as “one of the most authentic entertainers” she has ever encountered. This endorsement from a respected industry figure has reignited discussions about Portable’s unique appeal and his continued connection to his roots despite growing fame and fortune.
On a balmy Tuesday afternoon in Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling entertainment capital, Toyin Lawani and Portable crossed paths at a local studio. The meeting, which lasted barely an hour, has since become the talk of the town, sparking renewed interest in Portable’s meteoric rise to fame.
Lawani, known for her sharp eye and brutally honest opinions, took to Instagram at 3:47 PM WAT to share her thoughts on the encounter. Her post, which quickly garnered thousands of likes and comments, offered a fresh perspective on the often-misunderstood artist.
“Wahala for who no like @portablebaeby,” Lawani began her post, using the pidgin English phrase that roughly translates to “Trouble for those who don’t like Portable.” She went on to describe the singer as a “drama king,” but was quick to point out the strategic genius behind his public persona.
“It’s actually real talent to know how to grasp public attention while selling yourself nonstop,” Lawani wrote, shedding light on the calculated nature of Portable’s seemingly chaotic public image.
This endorsement from Lawani, a respected figure in Nigeria’s fashion and entertainment circles, has prompted industry insiders to reassess Portable’s impact on the music scene.
Music producer Femi Olaseni shared his thoughts: “Portable’s rise has been nothing short of phenomenal. What Toyin Lawani has highlighted is something we in the industry have observed for a while – his ability to stay relevant through sheer force of personality.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Lawani’s post was her commentary on Portable’s decision to remain in his hometown, often referred to as “the trenches,” despite his growing wealth and fame.
“Most popularly asked question—if Portable has made this much money, why is he still living in the trenches?” Lawani mused in her post. “I watched this video and it made a lot of sense why he’s still there.”
This observation has sparked discussions about authenticity in the Nigerian music industry and the importance of staying connected to one’s roots.
Cultural commentator Dr. Oluwaseun Adebayo offers her perspective: “Portable’s decision to stay in his community is more than just a personal choice. It’s a powerful statement about identity and authenticity in an industry often criticized for promoting unrealistic lifestyles.”
Lawani’s praise is the latest in a series of high-profile endorsements for Portable. Just last month, the singer revealed that actress Toyin Abraham had given him ₦5 million to star in her upcoming movie, “Alakada: Boujee and Bahd.
In the same period, socialite Yhemo Lee reportedly gifted Portable ₦1 million, further cementing the singer’s status as a hot commodity in Nigeria’s entertainment scene.
These recent developments follow a pattern of support from influential figures. In March 2023, Abuja-based billionaire Ochacho presented Portable with a Mercedes Benz convertible, expressing pride in the singer’s work and promising additional support.
Perhaps most notably, in late 2022, billionaire businessman Obi Cubana gifted Portable ₦3 million to support his music career, a gesture that significantly boosted the singer’s profile.
Industry analysts are closely watching how these endorsements, particularly Lawani’s recent praise, will affect Portable’s career trajectory.
Music journalist Chioma Nnadi shares her insights: “What we’re seeing with Portable is unprecedented. He’s managed to garner support from diverse sectors of the industry while maintaining his unique style and connection to his roots. It’s a delicate balance that could redefine success in Nigerian music.
As news of Lawani’s endorsement spreads, streaming numbers for Portable’s music have seen a noticeable uptick. According to data from a leading Nigerian music streaming platform, plays of Portable’s tracks increased by 27% in the 24 hours following Lawani’s Instagram post.
As the dust settles on this latest development in Portable’s career, questions arise about the future of authenticity in Nigerian entertainment. Will more artists follow Portable’s lead in maintaining strong connections to their roots? How will the industry adapt to this new model of stardom?
Dr. Adebayo offers a concluding thought: “What we’re witnessing with Portable could be the beginning of a new era in Nigerian entertainment. One where success doesn’t necessarily mean disconnection from one’s origins, but rather a celebration of those roots.”
As Portable continues to navigate his rising fame with his unique blend of controversy and authenticity, all eyes will be on how he leverages these high-profile endorsements to further his career while staying true to his identity.
In a music industry often criticized for promoting artifice, Portable’s journey serves as a compelling case study in the power of authenticity and the complex dynamics of fame in contemporary Nigeria.
