Grass to grace series (7): Portable, the local singer now sharing the stage with music bigwigs

Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, reveals how his passion for music and upbringing in a culturally rich Nigerian city shaped his unique musical style. From a young age, the artist was captivated by the energy and melodies of traditional Yoruba and contemporary Nigerian pop music, which inspired him to pursue a career in the industry.

He expressed, “I have always been drawn to music. From a young age, I would listen to traditional Yoruba music and contemporary Nigerian pop music. The energy and melodies in these songs captivated me and inspired me to pursue a music career.”

Portable’s journey in the music industry started long before he gained fame. He had been honing his craft and performing at small gigs and events in his community.

However, it was a fortuitous meeting with popular Nigerian dancer, Poco Lee, that would alter the course of his life forever. Reflecting on the pivotal moment, Portable expressed his gratitude, saying, “I will forever be grateful to Poco Lee for believing in me and introducing me to Olamide. 

We crossed paths at a local event, and Poco Lee was impressed by my performance. He saw the potential in me and knew that I had something unique to offer. He connected me with Olamide, and the rest is history.”

Controversy and triumph – Portable’s journey to fame

Collaborating with Olamide on the hit song “Zazu Zeh” marked a significant turning point in Portable’s career. The track became an instant hit, resonating with audiences both on the streets and in the mainstream music scene. Portable’s catchy lyrics and energetic delivery made him a favorite among music lovers. 

However, success did not come without its share of controversies. Portable had a highly public fallout with Poco Lee, accusing him of stealing his song and taking credit for his success. The incident sparked debates within the industry and among fans, with opinions divided. 

Despite the challenges, Portable’s fan base continues to grow rapidly, evident from his soaring Instagram following and the overwhelming support he receives. In his own words, Portable expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given, and I want to make the most of them. 

I am excited about the future and can’t wait to share more music with my fans. This is just the beginning.”

Portable’s journey in the music industry has been filled with both triumphs and controversies. Collaborating with Olamide on the hit song “Zazu Zeh” propelled him to mainstream success, but a highly publicized fallout with Poco Lee raised debates among fans and insiders. 

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Nevertheless, Portable’s fan base continues to grow rapidly, and he remains grateful for the support and eager to share more music with his loyal followers. This is just the beginning of his promising career.