In the entertainment industry, entertainers are very likely to get caught up in one or more controversies for various reasons, which range from the lack of privacy that comes with being a celebrity to, most often, the entertainer’s perceived carelessness or situations beyond their control.
Understandably, controversy is inevitable due to the public scrutiny that comes with fame and, of course, the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, which help catalyze and rapidly spread gossip, creating a ripple effect across the internet.
For most Nigerian celebrities, the consequences of controversies can cause potential damage, like public backlash, which could tarnish the entertainer’s reputation, potentially lose endorsement deals, damage professional relationships, and decline in popularity.
But this is only true for some celebrities in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Entertainers such as Portable have, over the years, morphed themselves from a growing art to becoming one of the most fast rising controversial musicians in the country by consistently creating chaos on social media and using the publicity garnered to their advantage.
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But before delving into how Portable is able to transform choas to create value, let’s take cursoury look at who the artist is and some of his recent controversies.
Who Is Portable?
Born Habeeb Okikiola, Portable is a rapper, singer, and songwriter who gained wide recognition with his hit single ‘Zazoo Zehh’, which features the famous Nigerian rapper, Olamide and dancer Poco Lee.
The self-proclaimed son of Shaku Shaku is a native of Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.
The 28-year-old musician’s journey through the landscape of fame has been as tumultuous as it has been meteoric. In one video shared on his Tiktok page, the street hip-hop affirmed that top Nigerian rap star Olamide brought him to the limelight through the single.
Ever since, he has been a constant feature in the conventional and social media space, not just for his music but also for controversies.
Due to his controversial nature, Portable’s social media following has seen massive growth, with the singer currently holding over two million followers on just Instagram.
Portable’s recent controversies
For the avoidance of doubt, the talented street-pop king is known for his energetic performances, vibrant music, and numerous controversies. Lately, Portable has trended more than his music as the singer is more of a person who expresses himself anytime he feels like and wants to be heard.
Some days ago, the Nigerian police arrested Portable in the Abule Egba area of Lagos for allegedly refusing to pay the balance of a G-Wagon vehicle he purchased from a car dealer, Ogunsanwo Temitope (Temmy Autos). The ‘Zazoo Zeh’ crooner reportedly bought the vehicle worth ₦27 million but paid only ₦13 million, with ₦14 million balance.
The Zazzu crooner was released on bail the next day after spending a night in police custody for failing to meet bail conditions.
In March 2024, Portable trended after engaging in a back-and-forth argument with popular cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, after the latter was awarded most well-dressed female at Eniola Ajao’s Beast of Two Worlds premiere.
Shortly after threatening to beat the cross-dresser for disgracing men, he stormed his studio to record a diss track titled ‘Brotherhood.’
Around June 2022, Ogun state police ordered the ‘Zazu’ crooner to report to their office, or they would declare him wanted. This came after a viral video of the singer allegedly ordering his boys to beat up and injure a young boy (yet to be identified).
In another video that sparked outrage at the time, people saw Portable having a heated argument and almost began to cry. The short video was an incident that led to a fight.
Read Also: Eniola Ajao Associates With Portable To Promote Movie Amid Bobrisky’s Arrest
The Zazu crooner, in one of his numerous outbursts, called out Grammy award winner Burna Boy for copying some of his styles. The singer further pleaded with Burna Boy for collaboration while affirming that it is not suitable for the Grammy award winner to rip him off.
How Portable Uses Controversy to Stay Relevant
Portable’s antics, which are abundantly sufficient to sink other artists, have so far craved impressive milestone for his career and public image.
While he publicly presents himself as an artist, anyone who puts little thought into his decisions will notice how they are sometimes more calculated than irrational. Since he infamously got into his first publicized dispute with Poco Lee, Portable appears to understand the power of the media and has so far used it gravely to his advantage.
As mind-numbing as Portable’s actions are, they have interestingly continued to attract wide attention, which he channels into increasing his profile, thus maintaining relevance in the industry. Despite his uncertain brand and behaviour, the street hip-hop artist has been able to perform in Egypt, France, Italy, the UK, and other countries.
But how long can he keep up with his antics to stay relevant in the music industry? The truth is, there’s a saying that “Bad publicity is still publicity.” Portable has made this phrase his mantra, which is not far-reaching as society encourages being controversial, non-conformist, unbearably provocative as somewhat attractive.
Celebrities like Portable know this and continue to deploy it, knowing that the audience ( mostly from the street) will pledge their support by streaming whatever hit song is released from such controversies because his behaviour is entertaining just as it is mind-numbing and undesirable.
