In Nigeria’s music space, especially on the streets where survival comes before fame, artists rise not because everything is perfect, but because they understand their environment and use it to their advantage. This same reality explains why street-pop continues to thrive and why certain names refuse to disappear from public conversation.
One of those names is Portable. Love him or hate him, his journey reflects the raw side of Nigerian street culture, where talent, controversy, survival, and opportunity all collide. In this article, we break down everything you need to know about Portable, his background, music career, personal life, controversies, and how he has managed to stay relevant in a very competitive industry.
Portable Biography (Early Life & Background)
Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, was born on March 12, 1994, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He is a Yoruba Muslim and grew up in a typical South-West Nigerian environment where street life strongly influences lifestyle, language, and music.
Portable had a rough upbringing and did not have the privilege of a smooth educational or musical foundation. His early life shaped his raw personality and his unfiltered way of expressing himself, both in music and in real life. He speaks fluent Yoruba and often reflects his roots in his lyrics, slang, and street-inspired sound.
Music Career and Breakthrough
Portable started music long before fame found him. Like many street artists, he performed at informal gatherings, local shows, and underground events while struggling for recognition. His turning point came after relocating to Lagos, where exposure and connections played a major role.
His breakthrough came in late 2021 with the release of the song “ZaZoo Zehh,” featuring Olamide and Poco Lee. The track became an instant street anthem, spreading rapidly across clubs, buses, markets, and social media. That single record pushed Portable into the national spotlight almost overnight.
Following the success of that song, Portable launched his own label, Zeh Nation, positioning himself not just as an artist but as a movement built around street energy and raw expression.
Some of his notable songs and collaborations include:
- ZaZoo Zehh
- Tony Montana (featuring Skepta)
- Songs and features with Terry G, Small Doctor, Barry Jhay, and others
While his newer releases may not always dominate mainstream charts, his music consistently connects with street audiences, which remains his strongest base.
Personal Life, Relationships, and Family
Portable’s personal life is as public as his music. He has multiple children from different relationships and has openly spoken about his family situation on several occasions.
He is married to Zainab Badmus and later took actress and content creator Ashabi Simple as another wife. His relationships, family disputes, and lifestyle choices frequently make headlines and often spill onto social media, sometimes causing public backlash.
Despite the drama surrounding his personal life, Portable continues to embrace his identity without apology, which is part of why he remains a constant topic of discussion online.
Controversies and Public Image
Portable is widely described as a “wahala musician,” a nickname he openly embraces. His career has been filled with controversies involving public fights, online rants, disputes with colleagues, clashes with authorities, and family-related drama.
In recent times, he has faced arrests, police invitations, and legal issues across different states. Each time controversy surfaces, it often fuels more attention around his name. Portable has mastered the art of staying visible, sometimes turning real-life troubles into music, freestyles, or viral moments.
While these issues have affected his brand image in certain circles, they have also kept him relevant among street audiences who see him as authentic and unapologetically real.
Net Worth and Sources of Income
Portable’s net worth is difficult to pin down precisely, as figures vary widely. However, estimates place his earnings within the range of hundreds of millions of naira (150 million – 250 million naira)
His sources of income include:
- Music streaming and royalties
- Live performances and street shows
- Brand promotions and endorsements
- Label activities under Zeh Nation
- Gifts and support from fans and promoters
- International shows and appearances
Despite financial ups and downs, Portable continues to generate income by staying active musically and socially.
Social Media Presence
Portable is very active on social media, where he shares music snippets, personal opinions, lifestyle updates, and spontaneous videos. His online presence plays a major role in keeping his name in circulation.
He is commonly found on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X, where his posts often spark debates, laughter, or controversy within minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Portable?
Portable is a Nigerian street-pop singer and songwriter known for his raw lyrics, street style, and controversial personality.
What made Portable famous?
He gained nationwide attention after releasing “ZaZoo Zehh,” a song that became a viral street anthem.
Is Portable married?
Yes. He is married and has children from different relationships.
What record label does Portable own?
He runs his own label known as Zeh Nation.
Why is Portable always in the news?
Portable frequently trends due to controversies, public outbursts, legal issues, and social media drama, alongside his music releases.
Conclusion
Portable represents the unfiltered side of Nigerian street culture. His journey is not built on perfection but on survival, persistence, and the ability to turn attention, good or bad into relevance. While his controversies often overshadow his music, they are also part of what keeps him visible in a fast-moving industry.
Whether he is praised or criticized, Portable has carved a space that is difficult to ignore. His story is a reminder that in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, talent, controversy, and street credibility can sometimes move faster than industry structure itself.