Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has stirred fresh debate in the music industry after accusing top Afrobeats stars Wizkid, Davido, Olamide and Burna Boy of limiting opportunities for emerging artists.
Portable made the claim during a recent outburst, where he alleged that the dominance of established stars has made it difficult for new talents to thrive in the industry. According to him, upcoming musicians struggle to gain visibility because major platforms, shows and endorsements are repeatedly controlled by a few big names.
He argued that while Nigerian music has gained massive global recognition, the success has not translated into equal opportunities for younger or less-connected artists. Portable claimed that many rising musicians are sidelined unless they have strong industry backing or personal ties to influential figures.
The singer also suggested that the concentration of power among top artists discourages diversity and limits creative growth, insisting that more space should be created for fresh voices to break through.
However, his comments have generated mixed reactions online. While some fans agreed that the music industry can be difficult for newcomers to penetrate, others criticised Portable’s remarks, pointing out that the artists he mentioned had all risen from humble beginnings and built their careers through years of hard work and consistency.
As of now, none of the accused artists has responded publicly to Portable’s claims. The controversy has once again reignited conversations about gatekeeping, mentorship and access to opportunities within Nigeria’s fast-growing music industry.
