Portable: A Meteoric Rise and a Trail of Controversy
Portable, born Habeeb Okikiola, shot to fame in late 2021 with his monster hit “Zazu Zeh,” a collaboration with Olamide. His infectious energy, streetwise lyrics, and flamboyant stage presence quickly made him a fan favorite. However, his career has been marred by controversy, with public spats, brushes with the law, and social media outbursts becoming a regular occurrence.
The Diss Track Heard ‘Round Nigeria’: Taking Aim at Davido and Zlatan
Portable’s latest controversy comes in the form of an explosive freestyle video circulating on social media. The video features Portable raining insults on both Davido and Zlatan, accusing them of disrespect and hindering his career. He throws shade at their musical styles and implies they haven’t shown him the support he deserves.
A History of Feud: Unraveling the Tension
This isn’t the first time Portable has clashed with Davido and Zlatan. In 2021, Portable publicly accused Davido of failing to adequately promote their collaborative song, “Fem.” A similar disagreement arose with Zlatan, with Portable hinting at a lack of support during the early days of his career.
Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions and Calls for Unity
Portable’s diss track has predictably divided fans. Some applaud his audacity and see it as a strategic move to generate publicity. Others criticize him for disrespecting his elders in the industry and for resorting to negativity to promote himself. Many call for peace and a united front for the advancement of Afrobeat music.
Industry Experts Weigh In: The Perils of Public Feuds
Music industry insiders express concern about Portable’s approach. Public feuds rarely end well,” says veteran talent manager Bola Akintola. “They can damage reputations and hinder career growth. Portable’s talent is undeniable, but focusing on music rather than negativity would be a wiser strategy.”
Portable’s Justification: Freedom of Expression and Artistic License
In an Instagram live session, Portable defended his actions, citing artistic freedom and a desire to express his frustrations. However, he also offered a conciliatory message, stating his respect for both Davido and Zlatan’s musical contributions. This back-and-forth highlights the complexities of self-promotion in the digital age, where the line between authenticity and controversy can easily blur.
The Future of Portable: Beyond the Beef
Portable’s undeniable talent is overshadowed by his penchant for drama. Whether he can channel his energy into positive music-making and build a sustainable career remains to be seen. The music industry, and his fans, await his next move – will it be another headline-grabbing controversy, or a return to the infectious music that made him a star?
Beyond the Beef: A Call for Collaboration
While Portable’s diss track has reignited tensions, it also presents an opportunity for reflection. The Nigerian music industry thrives on collaboration and camaraderie. Perhaps, this incident can serve as a reminder of the power of unity and the importance of fostering a supportive environment for all artists, regardless of generation or style. The future of Afrobeat rests not just on individual talent, but on the collective strength of its artists and the music they create.
