Street-hop sensation Portable has publicly expressed his gratitude to British rapper Skepta following a substantial royalty payment from their collaborative hit track, “Tony Montana.” The Nigerian artist, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola, took to social media to share his excitement about the financial compensation, specifically praising Skepta for his fair business practices.
Through an enthusiastic Instagram story post, Portable acknowledged the significant payment, emphasizing Skepta’s integrity with the phrase “No ripping zone.” The artist also extended his appreciation to Sony Music for their role in facilitating the transaction, marking another milestone in his rapidly ascending career.
The collaboration between Portable and Skepta has proved to be more than just a musical partnership. Their relationship gained significant attention when they were spotted together at the prestigious British Fashion Awards in London last December. The high-profile event not only showcased their professional alliance but also provided Portable with opportunities to network with other international stars, including Nigerian songstress Tiwa Savage and actor Damson Idris.
Since this international breakthrough, Portable’s market value has seen a remarkable increase. The artist now commands a performance fee of $10,000 for appearances in shows, music videos, and skits. This dramatic rise in his booking rate reflects the growing recognition of his unique artistic contribution to the music industry, despite – or perhaps partly because of – his often controversial public persona.
The “Zazu” crooner’s journey in the music industry has been marked by a series of notable achievements and recognition from prominent figures in global entertainment. A particularly significant moment came when American rap icon Rick Ross acknowledged his contributions to the music industry, alongside other African artists. This recognition from Ross in February 2023 left Portable visibly moved, interpreting it as validation of his artistic journey.
Further cementing his position in the Nigerian music scene, Portable received an award from the United States as the best new act of the year in 2023. This accolade served as formal recognition of his impact on the music industry, despite his relatively recent emergence. The artist viewed this achievement as confirmation of his artistic direction and growing influence.
His networking capabilities have also played a crucial role in his career development. A notable instance was his meeting with respected Nigerian rapper Phyno, which was captured in a widely circulated photograph showing the two artists in a warm embrace. This interaction highlighted Portable’s ability to bridge different segments of the Nigerian music industry.
Perhaps one of his most noteworthy industry connections has been with Tiwa Savage, whom he affectionately refers to as his “mother” and the “Ogbanje of Africa.” Their relationship has become symbolic of the dynamic nature of Nigeria’s music industry, where established acts and emerging artists can form meaningful professional relationships.
The recent royalty payment from “Tony Montana” represents more than just financial success; it marks a significant milestone in Portable’s transformation from a local street-hop artist to an internationally recognized performer. The transparent handling of royalties by Skepta and the formal business structures involved in their collaboration sets a positive precedent for international collaborations in the African music industry.
This development comes at a time when African music, particularly the Nigerian music scene, continues to gain global recognition and influence. Portable’s success story, marked by his unconventional rise and now solidified by legitimate international business dealings, serves as an inspiring example for emerging artists from similar backgrounds.
As Portable continues to navigate his career path, this latest development with Skepta demonstrates the potential for successful cross-cultural collaborations in the music industry. It also highlights the importance of fair business practices in helping to sustain and grow the global music ecosystem, particularly for artists emerging from Nigeria’s vibrant street-hop scene.
