Controversial Nigerian street-hop artist Portable has publicly expressed frustration over being snubbed by Grammy Award-winning superstar Burna Boy, despite receiving a substantial N20 million gift from him following a boxing victory against Speed Darlington.
The outspoken singer, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola, took to social media recently in a video that has since gone viral, lamenting that while the financial gesture was appreciated, Burna Boy has consistently ignored his attempts at communication and collaboration.
“Person wey give me 20 million never reply me for Instagram before, I dey call am, he no pick, e no follow me, I no get him number and yet he gave me money. Why he dey stingy with his replies?” Portable complained in his characteristic mix of English and Nigerian Pidgin.
According to sources close to the situation, Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu, transferred the substantial sum to Portable after the latter emerged victorious in a widely publicized boxing match against fellow controversial artist Speed Darlington. The gesture, which initially seemed like a show of support between Nigerian artists, has now become a point of contention.
In his video message, Portable revealed that despite the generous financial gift, he has never had a personal conversation with the internationally acclaimed Afrobeats star. What he desires more than monetary assistance, he claims, is the opportunity for musical collaboration, which he believes would be more valuable for his career in the long run.
Money dey finish but collaboration no dey finish,” Portable emphasized in the video, suggesting that a feature with an artist of Burna Boy’s caliber would have more lasting impact than a one-time payment, regardless of the amount.
Industry insiders have noted that this situation highlights the complex dynamics within Nigeria’s thriving music scene, where established global stars like Burna Boy often maintain distance from more controversial figures like Portable, whose unpredictable behavior and outspoken nature have frequently landed him in headlines for the wrong reasons.
Music producer Ademola Adebisi, who has worked with several Nigerian artists, offered his perspective: “This kind of situation is not uncommon in the industry. Established artists sometimes support emerging talents financially but may be cautious about direct associations or collaborations that could affect their international brand.”
The controversy has divided fans on social media platforms, with some supporting Portable’s request for acknowledgment while others believe Burna Boy has already been more than generous with his financial gift.
“How many upcoming artists has Portable himself featured? Just asking,” commented one social media user, pointing out what they perceived as hypocrisy in Portable’s demands.
Another user defended Burna Boy’s distance, writing: “He won’t respond because he knows you talk anyhow. This outburst is exactly why he’s keeping his distance.”
Some observers speculated that Burna Boy’s gift might have had ulterior motives, with one commenting: “He gave you 20m to spite Akpi [Speed Darlington’s nickname], not because he likes you.”
This controversy comes at a time when both artists are experiencing different trajectories in their careers. Burna Boy continues to cement his status as a global Afrobeats ambassador with international collaborations and sold-out world tours, while Portable has built a significant following with his street credibility and distinctive musical style, despite frequent controversies.
Cultural commentator Funmi Adewale notes that this situation reflects broader issues in Nigeria’s entertainment industry: “There’s often tension between mainstream success and street authenticity. Artists like Portable represent raw talent and unfiltered expression that resonates with certain audiences, while figures like Burna Boy have crafted carefully managed global brands that require strategic associations.
Neither Burna Boy nor his management has responded to Portable’s public statements as of press time, maintaining the silence that prompted the complaint in the first place.
Industry analysts suggest that public callouts like this rarely achieve the desired result of securing collaborations, and might instead further distance established artists who prefer to avoid controversy.
Nevertheless, Portable’s bold approach has certainly brought attention to the dynamics of power, recognition, and collaboration within Nigeria’s vibrant music industry, where financial support and artistic collaboration represent different forms of validation and opportunity.
As the situation continues to unfold, fans remain divided on whether Burna Boy owes Portable any further engagement beyond the financial gesture, or if the street-hop artist should be satisfied with the substantial sum he’s already received.
Whether this public appeal will eventually lead to the desired collaboration remains to be seen, but it has certainly succeeded in igniting conversation about relationships between established stars and emerging talents in Africa’s most vibrant music industry.
