If there’s a reward for an artist generating the most conversation in the Nigerian music industry today, it’s a guarantee that Portable will be competing with Wizkid and Burna Boy. Every twenty-four hours, it is hard not to see a piece of news on the Zazoo Zehh crooner. He relishes in the media frenzy, and his antics divide opinion as those of Kanye West. Portable’s smash hit made him a top-dog, but the nagging question now is; is he the real deal, or is his career living on borrowed time?

Honestly, Portable has earned his right to live life as a superstar. For his efforts, he deserves his flowers. No one should be oblivious that he has a legion of fans cheering him. So as well, the jury is still out questioning his misdemeanors and hoping he won’t end up a one-hit-wonder. Music fans are fickle; their loyalties are to the next hit song. In this industry, if you snooze, you lose. There’s no time to waste time.

If we judge by all standards, the single “Zazoo Zehh” is an award-winning song; Olamide’s craftsmanship and clout formed the significant foundational explosive component that reveals what Portable has to offer. With all the drama around him, he has served the industry some non-stop entertainment. But antics without another hit song won’t be a sustainable plan. Portable’s only way to remain relevant is to churn out another hit.

He has since released songs like “All Eyes On Me” featuring Barry Jay, “Neighbor” featuring Small Doctor, and “Ayomi” featuring Mr Gbafun. None of the mentioned has gained mainstream traction. While we wait for him to get it right on the music, the lifestyle content he churns out on social media, despite being entertaining, is also under serious scrutiny. His behavior with ladies is borderline. He has to be careful of sexual assault. The street justice unleashed on his critics by his fans is also under scrutiny. Apparently, Portable has become a household name but will he score another hit, or is his career living on borrowed time? 

Story culled from the February 2022 edition of Mystreetz Magazine.

Words by Sesan Adeniji: Follow on Instagram & Twitter – @sesanadeniji