Controversial street-hop artist Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has once again captured public attention by declaring himself the fifth most significant musician in Nigeria.
In an Instagram video, the outspoken singer ranked himself behind only Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Olamide in terms of musical relevance.
“After Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Olamide, it’s me. EMILOKAN!” he proclaimed. “I swear to God, I can sing. You can test me in any competition. Barry Jhay is the only other singer who sings like me, he inherited it from his father. Me, I discovered myself before the world discovered me. Bella, my songs can motivate your life!”
His statement follows a public fallout with fellow artist Bella Shmurda, who recently explained his decision to avoid a musical collaboration with Portable. Speaking during an episode of the Curiosity Made Me Ask podcast hosted by Isbae U, Bella said the difference in their artistic styles influenced his stance.
“I just don’t see the connection in our music. I don’t want wahala, I want peace,” Bella calmly stated.
Portable reacted strongly to Bella’s comments in a fiery video shared on social media, accusing him of jealousy and minimizing his accomplishments.
“Stop calling my name in interviews. You say you can’t feature me? I’ve performed in America, London… It’s not about who blew first, it’s about who’s still blowing,” he fired back. “You can’t afford me. Don’t associate me with failures.”
The exchange has sparked renewed conversation around the dynamics of fame, ego, and artistic rivalry in the Nigerian music industry.
