Apr 3

Apr 3 Portable Dismisses Zlatan Ibile as “Up-and-Coming” Artist, Questions His Popularity

Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has sparked fresh drama in the entertainment industry by claiming that fellow artist, Zlatan Ibile, is still an “up-and-coming” artist.

In a recent interview on Echo Room, Portable suggested that Zlatan is not well-known among wealthy Nigerians, implying that his music lacks the widespread influence necessary to be considered truly mainstream.

Portable: "Rich People Don't Know Zlatan's Music"

Portable recounted a conversation with a car dealer who advised him not to engage in a beef with Zlatan, claiming that the rapper was only using his name for clout.

“Zlatan is an up-and-coming artist. There was a man I got a car from. I decided to change my car for my birthday, from one of the people I get cars from. He said I shouldn’t have answered Zlatan. He said Zlatan wanted to chase clout with my name. Then he said he didn’t even know his songs, that he just started hearing his name.”

The Zazu crooner further criticized Zlatan’s musical style, claiming that wealthy people do not connect with his lyrics.

“A lot of wealthy people don’t know some of these artists’ lyrics. What are they singing? Are those songs? You cannot do call and response. Is that music? Are you joking?”

Reality Check: Is Zlatan Really "Up-and-Coming"?

Portable’s comments have raised eyebrows considering Zlatan’s success in the music industry. Zlatan, known for pioneering the Zanku dance and delivering multiple hit songs, has collaborated with top artists like Davido, Burna Boy, and Olamide.

While Portable thrives on controversy, his remarks about Zlatan’s status seem far-fetched. Zlatan has been a dominant force in Nigerian street music since his breakout in 2017, amassing a strong fanbase.

Clout-Chasing or Honest Opinion?

This is not the first time Portable has taken shots at fellow artists. His outspoken nature often keeps him in the headlines, but is he making a valid point, or is this another publicity stunt?