Seeing Portable’s Breakthrough In Global Entertainment Industry As A Lesson On Why It Is Not Good To Look Down On People

If there is any Nigerian personality that was unremittingly looked down upon in the bid to carve a niche in his chosen career, he is unarguably Portable, also known as Zazoo in the entertainment industry, and whose real names are Habeeb Okikiola. He is a street pop singer and performer who has rapidly emerged in the Nigerian music scene. His journey from humble beginnings to national recognition is no doubt quite remarkable.

As gathered, Portable was born in Ogun State and raised in Abeokuta before relocating to Sango-Ota, a city near Lagos State, and his rise to fame began when a blogger named Don Blue accidentally used Portable’s song “Zazu Zeh” as background music for one of his posts. This caught the attention of the well-known Nigerian artist Olamide.

Consequently, Don Blue informed Portable that Olamide wanted to meet him. Excited, Portable hurried to Lekki to meet Olamide. After collaborating with Olamide and Nigerian dancer Poco Lee on “Zazu Zeh,” Portable’s popularity skyrocketed.

Subsequently, Portable performed on AY’s show during Easter Sunday in 2022, where he received bundles of naira from the publicity-loving Nigerian socialite, E-Money. Ostensibly for the satisfaction he derived from Portable’s performance, E-Money became his sponsor after the dismissal of his previous manager, Kogbagidi.

At this juncture, it is germane to opine that if there would be any historian that would write about portable for the sake of posterity, his narration, the introductory aspect of the narrative would go thus: “Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Lagos, there lived a young man named Portable. His name was an oddity, a quirk that set him apart from the crowd. You see, Portable had a peculiar talent: he could fold himself into the most unexpected shapes and fit into the tightest spaces. It was as if he defied the laws of physics, slipping through the cracks of convention and expectation.

“But alas, this remarkable ability was not always celebrated. In fact, Portable was often looked down upon by his peers in Nigeria’s music industry. They scoffed at his flexibility, dismissing it as a useless party trick. ‘What good is being bendy?’ They would say. “Real success lies in rigidity, in standing tall and unyielding.”

“And so, Portable went about his days, folding and unfolding, quietly defying the norms. He worked odd jobs, from squeezing into crowded buses during rush hour to helping people move furniture up narrow staircases. But he dreamed of more, a grander purpose that would elevate his unique talent.

“One fateful day, as the sun dipped below the Lagos skyline, Portable stumbled upon a secret gathering. It was an assembly of misfits, each possessing an extraordinary ability. There was Invisibility, who could vanish at will; Resilience, who bounced back from life’s blows; and adaptability, who thrived in ever-changing environments.

They welcomed Portable with open arms. “You’re one of us,” they declared. “Your flexibility is a gift, not a curse.” And so, Portable found his tribe, the League of Unconventional Heroes.

“Together, they embarked on daring escapades. Portable would fold himself into a paper airplane, soaring over rooftops to deliver secret messages. He would slip through security systems, infiltrating high-security buildings to retrieve stolen artifacts. And when disaster struck, he would contort his body to shield innocent bystanders from harm.

“Word of the League spread far and wide. People marveled at their abilities, and Portable was no longer looked down upon. He became a symbol of adaptability, a reminder that greatness could emerge from the most unexpected corners.

As the years passed, portable’s fame grew. He graced magazine covers, received key-to-the-city awards, and even had a line of yoga mats named after him. But deep down, he remained humble. He knew that true greatness wasn’t about accolades, it was about embracing what made him different.

“And so, my dear reader, the next time you encounter someone who seems a little out of the ordinary, remember Portable. For it is often those who defy convention, who bend and twist against the grain that leave the most indelible mark on the world”.

In fact, the motivation that lies at the heart of the expression of this view cannot be farfetched as it no doubt serves as a lesson for everyone to learn from. In fact, Portable now mingles with big names in the music industry, including Wizkid, Timaya, Burna Boy, and Olamide.

To God be the glory, Portable, also known as Portable the Son of Shaku Shaku, who always ask his mockers, “Akwei grace” has been making waves in the Nigerian music scene, and his recent international collaboration with British rapper Skepta marks a significant milestone in his career.

In fact, Portable’s collaboration with Skepta has garnered attention both locally and globally. The two artists have come together to create music that transcends borders and genres.

The collaboration showcases Portable’s rising international status and his ability to connect with artists from different backgrounds.

As to his response to critics, who has vehemently criticized him and being skeptical along his path to success, he remains steadfast in his belief that divine intervention guides his journey. He usually see his critics as not having the kind of grace he has. He would always ask them, “Akwei grace, and he would snap back at them “Shey you dey wine”?

In his usual poignant statement, Portable would emphasize the intrinsic role of divine providence in shaping his trajectory. He would always assert, “If not for money, don’t call us and star don’t beg to shine. Some Gees be like wetin him dey sing, we no fit support ham. God dey, that’s all. Na person God dey send to somebody.”

No doubt, his unwavering conviction highlights the transformative power of faith and determination in the face of adversity.

Without being panegyric in this context, Portable’s collaboration with Skepta has positioned him as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite obstacles, he continues to carve his niche in the global music scene, even as his journey serves as a reminder of the inherent value of perseverance and belief in one’s unique path.

In fact, winning the Best New Artist award at the 2023 African Entertainment Awards, USA further solidifies his international acclaim.

In summary, Portable’s collaboration with Skepta not only elevates his profile but also exemplifies the power of artistic connections across borders. As he continues to make strides, his message resonates: faith, determination, and divine guidance pave the way for success. Even earlier in the month, or late last month, after his return from his travel to the UK, he was reported in some section Nigerian media to have received a call from Cardi B thus: “Hello portable hope you’re doing great. I’ve been a silent follower of yours since you dropped your first music, and I must say you’ve really evolved to an even outstanding artiste since then. Just want to let you know that it’s about time for us to jump on a track.

“I already got DJ Khaled, and he made a good beat. Will send it to your IG. Let’s do this one for Africa. If it doesn’t bother you, I would really appreciate it if you could come to my place in the US so we can talk further. Chao”

As gathered, Portable was speechless after the call because the whole thing seemed like a dream to him, but he eventually understood the reality and replied to Cardi B on Instagram.

Beyond making wave in the entertainment industry, he is noted to have dined with the royalty as he once visited the Ooni of Ile Ife at his palace.

In summary, Portable’s journey from the streets to stardom showcases resilience, talent, and the power of music to transcend social boundaries. His story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring artists in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

At this juncture, it is expedient to urge people not to be looking down on others as such behaviour can have a detrimental effects; both for the person doing it and for those who experience it.

The reason for the foregoing advice cannot be farfetched as it can lead to loss of self-confidence. In fact, when you consistently look down on others, you divert your attention away from self-improvement. Instead of focusing on personal growth, you become preoccupied with comparing yourself to others. This can erode your self-confidence and hinder your own progress.

Secondly, it can lead to negative impact on relationships. In fact, treating someone with disdain or superiority complex creates discomfort and awkwardness. Nonverbal cues, such as avoiding eye contact, minimal interaction, and fake smiles, reveal this behavior. Such actions can strain relationships and make interactions unpleasant.

Thirdly, it can lead to lack of empathy. This is as looking down on others often stems from jealousy, insecurity, or a need to assert superiority. It prevents you from empathizing with their struggles, achievements, or feelings. Empathy is essential for healthy relationships and personal growth.

In a similar vein, overcompensating by putting others down can lead to lies and exaggerations. Thus, authenticity or originality is lost when you constantly compare yourself to others and try to prove your worth by diminishing theirs.

It can also lead to spiritual and ethical consequences. In fact, not a few religious and philosophical teachings emphasize treating others with kindness, compassion, and respect. Looking down on people contradicts these principles and can lead to negative karma or consequences.

And finally, remember that everyone has his or her unique journey, struggles, and strengths. Instead of looking down on others, it is germane to lift each other up, celebrate achievements, and empathize with them.