Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has revealed how he shared the royalties from his hit song “Zazoo Zehh,” disclosing that he increased Olamide’s share from 16 per cent to 20 per cent because he felt the initial percentage was too small for a rapper of his status.
In a now-trending video on Monday, Portable said Olamide initially asked for 16 per cent in recognition of the 16 bars he contributed to the song, while the producer received 20 per cent .
“Olamide was the one who backed me up for my royalties when Zazoo dropped. He initially asked for 16% because he gave me 16 bars, while the producer got 20%. But I later increased Olamide’s share to 20% because I felt 16% was too small for someone like him. I gave Poco Lee 30% and kept 30% for myself,” he said .
The revelation offers a rare glimpse into the financial arrangement behind one of the songs that launched Portable into national prominence in late 2021.
“Zazoo Zehh” was released on December 14, 2021, produced by P.Priime and featuring Olamide, with dancer Poco Lee credited on the record . The song became an instant street anthem and earned Portable nominations at the Headies Awards for Best Street Artist and Rookie of the Year .
However, the success was quickly overshadowed by a public dispute over ownership and royalties. Barely a week after the song blew up, Portable accused Poco Lee of hijacking the song and shortchanging him .
He claimed that Wizkid sprayed $3,000 on him during a performance at the Livespot Festival, but Poco Lee only gave him $600 . He also objected to the song being credited as “Poco Lee featuring Portable and Olamide” rather than the other way around .
The fallout led to Portable’s eviction from the hotel he was staying in by his then-promoter, Kogbagidi, who said the singer did not consult him before making the accusations . The trio eventually reconciled after Portable tendered an apology .
The relationship between Portable and Olamide has remained complicated. In November 2025, Portable publicly called out Olamide, claiming the rapper “will regret” not signing him to his YBNL record label .
“Olamide Bado go regret why him no sign me or carry me alongside again just because I fight for my own right,” Portable wrote on Instagram at the time .
The latest revelation about the royalty split suggests that, despite the public friction, Portable holds some respect for Olamide’s contribution to his breakthrough—enough to voluntarily increase his share from 16 to 20 per cent.
