Nigerian street-pop sensation Portable has set social media ablaze with his latest fashion choices during his Canadian sojourn. The controversial artist, whose real name is Habeeb Olalomi Badmus, has managed to turn his international trip into a trending topic, though perhaps not for the reasons one might expect.
The “Zazuu” crooner, fresh from his highly publicized feud with social media critic Verydarkman, took to social media to share photos of himself exploring Canada in an ensemble that has left fashion critics and fans equally bewildered. Sporting an eye-catching combination of an orange shirt paired with oversized red boots, Portable’s outfit choice has sparked a wave of reactions ranging from amusement to outright confusion.
The timing of these photos is particularly interesting, coming shortly after Portable’s public display of his passport during his ongoing dispute with Martin Vincent Otse (Verydarkman). However, it’s the artist’s bold fashion choices rather than his international travels that have captured the public’s imagination, spawning numerous memes and commentary across social media platforms.
Popular social media influencer Tunde Ednut’s sharing of the photos amplified their reach, leading to an unexpected response from Portable himself. In a surprising display of diplomacy from the usually confrontational artist, he expressed gratitude towards Ednut for highlighting his positive attributes, noting that he maintains a respectful silence about Ednut because he considers him “a good person.” This statement was followed by criticism aimed at other bloggers who, according to Portable, fail to acknowledge his positive contributions.
The social media response to Portable’s Canadian fashion adventure has been nothing short of spectacular, with comments ranging from witty to downright savage. One user, @perrysignature2, humorously questioned whether the artist’s outfit choices were being made by “amadioha” (a deity), while another, @teeblaq_afrorobo, suggested his style was “Styled by Canadian loud,” making a playful reference to cannabis culture.
Some fans took a more constructive approach, with @iam_jabmayor suggesting that “his management should work on his dressing code.” The comment highlights a growing concern among supporters about the artist’s public image as he gains international exposure. However, others, like @dai_ntydiva, defended his unique style, philosophically noting, “I like as everybody dey dress like their problems.
The debate over Portable’s fashion choices reflects a broader conversation about authenticity in Nigerian entertainment. While some argue for a more polished image as artists gain international recognition, others celebrate the unfiltered authenticity that has become Portable’s trademark. His distinctive approach to fashion, much like his music, continues to challenge conventional expectations of how a Nigerian international artist should present themselves.
What makes this particular episode noteworthy is how it demonstrates Portable’s ability to remain a central figure in Nigerian pop culture discussions, even when simply sharing tourist photos from abroad. His unconventional style choices, rather than diminishing his appeal, seem to reinforce the unique personal brand that has made him one of Nigeria’s most talked-about entertainment figures.
The incident also highlights the evolving relationship between Nigerian artists and social media, where every public appearance becomes an opportunity for engagement, discussion, and sometimes controversy. Portable’s ability to generate conversation with something as simple as his clothing choices speaks to his understanding of social media dynamics, whether intentional or not.
As the artist continues his Canadian adventure, the attention his fashion choices have garnered serves as a reminder of how personal style can become a talking point that transcends geographical boundaries. Whether viewed as a fashion faux pas or a bold statement of individuality, Portable’s Canadian outfit has achieved what many carefully planned publicity stunts fail to do: capture the public’s imagination and spark genuine engagement.
In the end, perhaps @dmeji_i’s simple question “Which kind dressing be this Portable” best encapsulates the public’s fascination with an artist who continues to march to the beat of his own drum, one oversized red boot at a time.
