Welcome back, before we will dive into the story of Portable, do well to check out our previous post on Waiting and patience
Background & Education Information
In case you don’t know, Portable’s real name is Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Omolalomi Ika of Africa. He was born on March 12, 1994, in Abeokuta, a vibrant city in Ogun State, Nigeria. (source) Portable and his siblings were raised in Abeokuta by their parents, Who shared their parents beliefs in Religion (Islam), Portable grew up in Abeokuta and therefore he was well-versed in Yoruba.
He was encouraged by Music singers such as Tupac, Dr Dre, snoop dogg which he played on his fatherâs music tape deck while still in Primary school.
Portable completed his primary education at ODC and Motherâs Joy Schools before enrolling at Iganmode Grammar School in Oju Ore, Ota, Ogun State, for his secondary education. Portable, who became the talk of the street around December in 2021, unveiled his decision to drop out of school to concentrate on his music career, recognizing music as a lucrative endeavor. Portable said that he knew right from the start how much wealth music could give him, so he pursued it full-time when he had an interview with Jahbless podcast (Jahbless Original Intelligence). Portable said,
âMusic brings money and is a fast money-making machine. If you sing, you must have money unless youâre not good at it; if youâre a musician, you must be rich. I observed that I make a lot of money whenever I sing.â
He said, in addition, before the fame, that he met some people who killed his career with âover-packagingâ. âYou know if they have done you bad things severally. So I brought the whole craziness into the music industry. Even if you want to do business with someone who rips you off, make sure you let them know that you are aware of the kind of person they are, but you still want to do business. But they should also be mindful that you are not weak,â he said. âThey know say I sabi sing, but they did not open the door. I have met a lot of people that said Iâm good, but it all ended there. They will sign you and keep you in a room, even when you meet influential people who intend to sponsor you, but they will kill your career with over-packaging.â
Portable Family
Portable has children with multiple partners, currently totaling five children from different baby mamas. His first wife is Ewatoni Omobewaji who they were together before he came to Limelight, around December ending 2021, She flaunted a shop built for her by Portable On Instagram which the Video received Thousands of likes and gave her recognition on social media too. She said âAlhamdulillah on my second shop, I thank God and I thank my man, work is still ongoing. May God continue to bless Portable for me.â (source)
He welcomed a son with Nollywood actress Akinyanju Omobolarinde, and the birth of another son brought immense joy to Portable and his wife after a long wait. There was this time when he slammed his 4th babyâs mama, which also became the talk of the street when she revealed that she considered herself the only wife to her husband. Portable responded that âYou only got pregnant for me, and my family does not know you or bless you, and the person who owns the husband doesn’t disturb you, and it’s you, the side chick, that is bothering her.â
In addition, there was a rumor back then that he was in a romantic relationship with the ex-wife of the Late Alaafin of Oyo, Queen Dami. This came after chats surfaced on the Internet where they both exchanged endearing words with love emojis. When Portable was interviewed on the Honest Bunch podcast, he noted that
After a king is a king,’ and then proceeded to say, âWhen I heard of the king’s
death, after a king is a king, you wouldn’t have seen me with her if the king were still alive. I don’t associate with someone else’s wife. âAfter a king is a king,’ and then proceeded to say, âWhen I heard of the king’s death, after a king is a king, you wouldn’t have seen me with her if the king were still alive. I don’t associate with someone else’s wife.â
Portable is a true testament to the power of dreams and determination. His journey from the depths of the slums to the pinnacle of success is nothing short of inspiring. With Afrobeats coursing through his veins, he effortlessly wears the hats of a singer, rapper, and songwriter, captivating hearts with every note and lyric. Armed only with his vocals, he has transcended boundaries, earning accolades worldwide.
For Portable, music isn’t just a passion; it’s a lifeline. He has his own record label, which is called Zeh Nation; he continues to shine, proving that with unwavering perseverance, even the most impossible dreams can come true.
Controversial
So let’s now talk about how he rose from the slums. Portable came to limelight after his contribution to the song âZazoo Zehâ featuring the legend in the industry (Olamide Adedeji Badoo) and a famous dancer (Poco Lee). ‘Zazoo Zeh’ reached the summit of various Nigerian music charts, making a significant impact. It entered the Billboard Triller Global chart at number 15 upon debut and soared to number 1 on Apple Music Nigeria, iTunes Chart, and also secured the 18th position on the Radio Chart. During the time Portable was just coming to the limelight, Portable was invited to a concert in Lagos and met the likes of Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, and Olamide. He was widely recognized for calling out his featured artist (Poco Lee) on Instagram for taking $2400 out of the $3000 that Wizkid
allegedly âsprayedâ him during their performance at the Livespot concert in Lagos. He also stated that Poco Lee was trying to claim the rights to ‘Zazoo Zeh’.
In his viral video, Portable shouted in pidgin, âPoco Lee, you no show love ooo. You just wanted to rip me because you claimed my song. Na you sing Zazoo?â During the live video on Instagram, Portable also talked about how Poco Lee wanted to dupe him with his royalties on the blown song (‘Zazoo Zeh’). Since then, Portable has demonstrated a keen awareness of the influence of the media, consistently making headlines and leveraging its power to his advantage.
Later, Portable resolved his differences with his manager, Kogbagidi and Poco Lee following their dispute over money and contractual agreements. His Instagram followers have seen a remarkable surge, skyrocketing from 20,000 to surpassing 500,000 followers at the time of this report’s filing. However, Portable later posted another video on his Instagram story indicating that they had reconciled. In the video, Portable was seen praising Kogbagidi as his boss, emphasizing that despite their disagreements, they always find a way to resolve their issues. Portable has gained recognition both in Nigeria and internationally. His character was shaped by his time on the streets. Through his speech, actions, and style, he embodies the essence of street life, connecting deeply with individuals who understand his reality.
He was selected by the governing political party to participate in an election campaign, demonstrating his influence and reach. Alternatively, he can effortlessly ignite the enthusiasm of fans in Port Harcourt by merely lifting his shoulders and shouting “Wahala Wahala Wahala,” which speaks volumes about his authenticity within the street culture. His credibility strikes a chord with individuals nationwide who relate to his lived experiences. Portable’s talent shines prominently in his music. Although his music may not cater to mainstream tastes.
There was a time when Portable was arrested after the expiration of a 72-hour ultimatum given to him by the Police Command in Ogun State when he refused to turn himself in to honor a police invitation over an alleged assault. On Monday, April 3, 2023, he was charged in the Ifo high court in Ogun state. And this gave birth to the song he released after the whole scene titled: ‘I am not a Prisoner’. Portable is someone who reacts to every trending news. When Grammy award-winning Nigerian singer Wizkid was hyped by an upcoming singer and hype man G.O.E in his song âItalawaâ and he dashed him 20 Million naira. Portable boldly reached out to him on Instagram that he doesn’t want his 20 Million that All he wants was a verse from him. He also extended the same request to Davido expressing his desire for collaboration rather than financial assistance.
Portable is someone who never hold back is opinion about any trending issues, About the death of a young star artist that met his untimely death, Mohbad, According to him, He allegedly that mohbad was killed by the enemies of the Record label he belonged to (Marlian Record Label). He said on his life video that mohbad was nurtured and supported by Marlian Music, eventually betrayed them. Allegedly, Mohbad accused the label of lacking affection, prompting his departure and alignment with Naira Marley’s adversaries. Portable asserted that Mohbad’s ties to these adversaries resulted in his premature death, suggesting that those responsible for Mohbad’s death aimed to implicate Naira Marley.
“Mohbad met his demise due to his betrayal. Despite Marlian Music’s efforts to nurture and promote him, he accused them of neglect. He departed from the label and aligned himself with Naira Marley’s enemies.
Consequently, those enemies killed him in an attempt to implicate Naira Marley. May God protect Naira Marley from this ordeal, as he extended his help to Mohbad out of goodwill, only to be betrayed.â Portable said.
Recently, around January ending, he said he was allegedly beaten by some gang because he failed to show up at a show he was paid for. He said on his Instagram story while still in the hospital bed with a bloodied bandage on his ankle, âFeeling so much pain right now. Just your prayers. I donât want to die young. Why them want make I fall…if you spoil me for who love me you go die young.â, âNobody fight for me but I get God. Truth only always on my right if God is God I no go fall Zazu. Didnât get myself since I was beaten by those guys from one pain to another. Just being strong for myself and love pray for me make God heal me totally.â
Portable Discography and Award
Portable has managed to release several singles like ‘Zazoo Zeh’ (Featuring Olamide & Poco Lee 2021), ‘Ogo Forever,’ ‘Neighbor’ (Featuring Small Doctor 2022), ‘All Eyes On Me’ (Featuring Barry Jhay 2022), and ‘Clear’ (2022), elevating his visibility. This has resulted in him receiving two Headies nominations (Best Street Artist and Rookie of the Year), albeit losing them after engaging in a series of characteristic antics and making reckless statements threatening the Headies Executives. The contentious Nigerian artist, Habeeb Okikiola, widely recognized as Portable, later clinched the title of Best New Artist at the 2023 African Entertainment Awards, USA (AEUSA). Although the raw quality of his music has confined his audience primarily to the streets, it has enabled him to cultivate a dedicated fanbase crucial for sustaining his music and brand. Let’s be honest, traits like controversy, non-conformity, and provocative behavior, though unpopular, possess a certain allure, if not outright captivation. Celebrities are aware of this and persist in utilizing it. Portable continues to prosper because his misbehavior is as entertaining as it is shocking and undesirable. Portable creates music tailored for the streets, without making efforts to conform to mainstream preferences by altering his sound or reinventing his persona to enhance his appeal or acceptability. During the initial months of 2022, buoyed by the newfound fame stemming from the triumph of ‘Zazoo Zehh’, Portable released his second extended playlist, titled ‘Zazuu Zeh’. Produced by Professional Beat, this EP comprises six tracks, with Portable as the sole artist featured on each. The tracks featured in the EP are ‘Adura’, ‘Gasolo’, ‘My Way’, ‘Ojabo Kofo’, ‘Oro Owo’, and ‘Tambolo’.
Portable also bagged Best indigenous Artist by Naijatraffic in 2021.
Lessons from his Life
If you stumble upon Portable’s online videos, you’re likely to encounter his jovial demeanor, whether he’s energetically shouting “Wahala wahala wahala,” expressing grievances about another artist, or flaunting his muscular physique shirtless. However, Portable encompasses more than just his lively persona. Through his music and interviews, he imparts valuable life lessons, which I believe are especially pertinent in our current times. Although some of his messages may not immediately resonate with me, I trust that he had valid reasons for conveying them. Portable once said, “Who go help you no go stress you,” and if you look from how he started and his career progression, you will know that he is indeed right. He also said, “Believe in yourself, A lion doesn’t fear to walk Alone,” which emphasizes that you have to show up for yourself, you have to believe in yourself and consider yourself A Lion. In addition, Portable once said, “Fear who no fear God,” which he was very right. What he really means here is that one should avoid transacting or interacting with people who have nothing to lose. Portable recently declared himself the New Born Fela, a Regen of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Portable said his fans gave the name to him and he reckoned with it. âI didnât give myself the title, âNewborn Fela.â My fans gave it to me,â he said. For those still calling him an upcoming artist, Portable said, âWhich Celebrity do you know that is bigger than me in Nigeria now? I am the one they are talking about now: a musician that is trending. My talk is trending, my slangs are trending, my movement is trending, my dressing is trending. Everything about me is trending.â He said that last year, he was upcoming and this year he is still upcoming. He claimed that he will be up and coming every day. And he will be coming with new glory every day and every year is his year.
Portable Net Worth
Portable was Estimated to have a net worth of $700k as at March 2024 which is equivalent to #294,230,996 million Naira.
Portable’s story and gist can never be ended, but the above should give you an overview of who Portable is, how he started, and how he is at the moment. Well, that’s all about Portable for now. Don’t forget to come back for a new gist about Portable in details; he has a new song with Skepta titled: ‘Tony Motana‘, which has become a hit throughout the nation.
From Slum to Stardom: Portable Journey – ftalk.space
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