Portable Sparks Debate With Claim About Davido And Wizkid’s Retirement

Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has stirred controversy with comments about the prolonged dominance of some of the country’s biggest music stars.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Portable claimed that Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Olamide have maintained a strong presence at the top of Nigeria’s music industry for more than a decade.

The singer made the remarks in a video shared on his Instagram Story, where he discussed the influence of the four artistes and their impact on the careers of younger musicians.

Portable acknowledged that Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Olamide have helped several emerging artistes gain visibility and establish themselves in the industry. However, he suggested that their continued dominance has made it difficult for other artistes to enjoy a similar period at the top.

He also questioned the level of support being given to upcoming Fuji musicians by established stars in the genre. Portable specifically mentioned Fuji veterans K1 De Ultimate, Pasuma and Osupa Saheed, arguing that they should do more to create opportunities for younger Fuji performers.

Portable explained that his occasional criticism of some prominent artistes should not necessarily be interpreted as hostility, suggesting that he sometimes calls them out because he wants to associate with them.

He said Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Olamide had succeeded in promoting other artistes, but maintained that more established Fuji musicians should similarly help underground performers.

Reflecting on the evolution of Nigeria’s music industry, Portable noted that artistes such as Timaya, 2Baba and Eedris Abdulkareem enjoyed periods of dominance before making way for a new generation.

He, however, argued that Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Olamide have remained at the forefront for more than 10 years, joking that they have yet to step aside and allow other artistes to take over the spotlight.