Why Portable, despite his numerous controversies, is still successful in the music industry.
Portable is no stranger to controversies but for a new artist, his penchant for attracting them seems to make people doubt if he can last long in the music industry.
Portable grabbed the Nigerian music business by storm late last year with the support of Olamide, and some predicted that he would not last long, but that has not been the case so far.
His hit song “Zazoo Zeh,” which was favourably received by fans of street music, gave Him numerous chances to perform on massive venues with renowned musicians throughout the holiday season.
The fascinating single by the vivacious singer has continued to enthral music enthusiasts at events, business gatherings, pubs, clubs and lounges, beach parties, among other areas of music interest.
Although Portable received a lot of praise from the entertainment industry, his brief period of fame had been marred by several controversies, including claims of betrayal, sexist remarks, and sexual assaults, among other things that could have threatened the advancement of his career, the most recent of which was his arrest.
Portable hovers at a remarkable level despite his numerous shenanigans, which are more than enough to sink other artists, thanks to a few intriguing elements.
The street is represented in his songs.
Fuji music, which serves as the soundscape to street life in southwest Nigeria, has impacted Portable as an artist. His music draws influences from Fuji and Hip Hop, which he blends to create a sound that is unapologetically profane, comprehensive in its simplicity, and rich in its street cadence.
The people of the street, whose reality he conveys so powerfully and plainly, now pay attention to his music. And while he occasionally engages in behaviour unacceptable of a rational person, his music wins over listeners who are able to look past that.
He is constantly making headlines.
Although his behaviour sometimes gives the impression that he makes judgements without much thought, anyone who cares to examine his antics will discover that they may occasionally be more calculated than irrational.
After he infamously engaged in his first well reported argument with Poco Lee, whose efforts helped make “Zazzu Zeh” a hit, Portable appears to be aware of the influence of the media and he has continued to generate headlines.
Portable is a media darling whose antics are so mind-boggling that they draw widespread attention, which he then uses to boost his reputation and street cred.
Although the adage “Bad publicity is still publicity” may be overused, Portable has made it his motto since he will say the silliest things and pick a fight with just about anyone if it will ensure he gets the news.
His talent is plain to see.
It is clear from listening to Portable’s songs that he is talented. Although though his music does not have much of a broad appeal, he has been able to produce a few tracks that have increased his reputation and gained him two nominations for Headies, which he, as is his habit, missed after engaging in a number of actions that fit his persona.
Many view his attitude and Personality as Entertainment.
Let us admit it, having an unpopular persona like being controversial, non-conformist, or excruciatingly provocative can be intriguing or at the very least appealing.
The core of Portable’s personality was shaped by his experiences living on the streets. He exhibits the characteristics of the street in his speech, actions, and fashion, which endears him to others who experience the same reality as he does.
It is a credit to his street cred that he was chosen by the dominant political party to participate in an election campaign and that he can send fans into overdrive in Port Harcourt by merely rising his shoulders and shouting “Wahala Wahala Wahala.”
People throughout the nation find it credible because they can relate to his situation.
Regardless of his terrible actions which can be annoying and frustrating, Portable’s reactions to them are fun to watch.