Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, famously known as Portable, stirred fresh debate after claiming he had helped more people in the music industry than top stars Olamide, Don Jazzy, Wizkid, and Davido.
Portable made the bold statement during a video broadcast shared on social media. In the video, he argued that his support extended beyond the entertainment industry and reached many ordinary Nigerians who had little or no access to opportunities.
The Zazu crooner said he had given more genuine support to upcoming artists and the less privileged than the music heavyweights often praised for lifting others.
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He insisted that many established artists offered help only for business reasons, not out of kindness.
According to Portable, unlike some celebrities who kept their distance from fans, he embraced everyday people and engaged with them openly on and off social media.
He stressed that this made him different from others in the industry.
“Many Nigerian celebrities didn’t post their fans even if they danced to their songs or promoted them,” he said. “But I repost every positive video about me.”
He added that most artistes refused to feature upcoming talents unless money was involved, describing their attitude as ego-driven.
“Even with your money, many celebrities wouldn’t let you feature them as an upcoming artist,” he said. “But I helped people freely. I had helped more people in the music industry than Don Jazzy, Olamide, Wizkid, and Davido.”
Portable went on to explain what he believed true help meant. For him, it went beyond signing an artist or giving them exposure.
He described help as providing care, comfort, and support from the ground up.
“Help was when you saw a homeless person and took them home, sheltered them, clothed and fed them,” he said. “You also took them to their first studio session and paid for it. Anything other than that, you were just doing business.”
He accused many big names in the industry of hiding behind the label of “helping others” while simply using upcoming artists for profit.
He argued that once the young talents gained confidence and wanted independence, they were often accused of being ungrateful.
“Most of the time, when the artists they were using for business decided to be independent or move forward, they labelled them ungrateful,” he said. “How were they ungrateful? You only used them for business.”
Portable’s comments drew attention because several of the artistes he mentioned, Olamide, Don Jazzy, Wizkid, and Davido, have widely recognised reputations for supporting young talents. Olamide is celebrated for launching stars like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML, and Asake.
Don Jazzy is known for discovering and nurturing acts such as Rema, Ayra Starr and Crayon. Davido has helped numerous youngsters gain visibility, often featuring emerging artists for free. Wizkid has also supported several street pop acts.
Portable, however, stood by his claims. He said his own definition of help was rooted in direct, physical, and emotional support, not contracts or business deals.
The singer has long portrayed himself as a grassroots figure who identifies with street culture. Since rising to fame in 2021, he has maintained a reputation for openly supporting upcoming artists, dancers, and content creators who promote his music online.
His latest comments added to his long list of controversial statements, many of which kept him in the public eye.
Yet, his supporters argued that Portable had continued to use his platform to lift others in his own way.
Whether his claims were exaggerated or sincere, Portable once again succeeded in sparking conversation about the meaning of “help” in the Nigerian music industry.
