Controversy seems to follow Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, as he recently stirred the pot by laying out unconventional terms for future collaborations. The Zazu crooner made headlines when he declared that any artist seeking to feature him on a song must first agree to two rather unusual conditions: licking his foot and buying him a car.
Portable’s audacious statement came in the wake of his successful collaboration with British-Nigerian rapper Skepta, which propelled him to newfound fame and notoriety. Reflecting on the unexpected partnership during an Instagram live session with fans, Portable expressed gratitude towards Skepta for extending a helping hand when others looked down on him. He recounted how the international star chose to collaborate with him despite the skepticism from some quarters.
“People talked down on me but Skepta helped me,” Portable revealed, shedding light on the challenges he has faced in the music industry. However, his gratitude towards Skepta was accompanied by a bold declaration of his newfound standards for collaboration. “If you want to feature me on a song, you will have to lick my foot and buy me a car,” he proclaimed, setting a high bar for potential collaborators.
Portable’s bold statement has sparked a mix of reactions from fans and industry insiders alike. While some applaud his unapologetic stance and entrepreneurial spirit, others view his conditions as outlandish and self-aggrandizing. Nevertheless, Portable remains undeterred, basking in the success of his chart-topping collaboration with Skepta on the track ‘Tony Montana.’
The song marks Portable’s first number one hit on Apple Music Nigeria since his breakout hit ‘Zazu,’ further solidifying his status as a rising star in the Nigerian music scene. Despite the controversy surrounding his unconventional demands, Portable’s star continues to rise, drawing attention both at home and abroad.
Whether Portable’s demands will become the new norm or remain an outlier remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain – his unapologetic approach and willingness to challenge the status quo have cemented his place as a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving world of music. Love him or hate him, Portable’s larger-than-life persona and confidence continue to captivate audiences and keep the industry on its toes.
