“Wahala, Wahala, Wahala”, As Portable Fights At A Mall In Regina, Canada (OPINION)

By Isaac Asabor

The Nigerian music industry thrives on drama as much as it does on talent. One artist who has taken the concept of controversy to unparalleled heights is the self-styled “Wahala Musician,” Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable. Whether he is exchanging words with peers, calling out imaginary foes, or showing his brashness to an international audience, Portable has mastered the art of staying in the news. His recent antics in Canada have proven once again that he is as unpredictable as a loose cannon.

Portable’s Canadian escapades began on a dramatic note when he landed in the North American country for a scheduled tour. What should have been a moment of cultural exchange and brand expansion turned into a series of cringe-worthy spectacles. From loud confrontations with show promoters to bizarre public appearances, Portable’s actions left many Nigerians shaking their heads in disapproval.

The trouble reportedly started with Portable’s dissatisfaction over logistics provided by his Canadian hosts. In typical Portable fashion, instead of resolving the matter privately, he took to social media to air his grievances. In a now-viral video, he lambasted his hosts with a mix of expletives and pidgin, accusing them of treating him unfairly and undermining his superstar status.

What might have been a simple misunderstanding quickly escalated due to his fiery temper. Portable’s outbursts painted a picture of chaos, leading some fans to question whether his actions were a publicity stunt or genuine frustrations. However, one thing was clear, his method of handling disputes left much to be desired.

Portable has always prided himself on being a voice for the streets. His meteoric rise to fame, fueled by his hit single “Zazoo Zeh”, was rooted in his relatability to the everyday struggles of the common man. However, his brash attitude has become his defining trait, often overshadowing his music.

In Canada, instead of thrilling fans with electrifying performances, Portable turned the spotlight on himself for all the wrong reasons. His refusal to comply with standard tour arrangements, including disagreements over accommodations and performance schedules, was not only unprofessional but also a disservice to his Canadian fans.

While many artists use international tours to strengthen their global appeal, Portable’s actions only reinforced the perception of him as a problematic figure incapable of adapting to the norms of a professional setting.

Perhaps the most damning part of Portable’s Canadian visit was his alleged altercation with law enforcement. In another viral clip, the artist could be seen in a heated exchange with individuals purported to be Canadian police officers. While details of the incident remain unclear, the footage suggested that Portable’s behavior may have drawn undue attention from authorities.

This incident is not an isolated one. Portable’s history with law enforcement in Nigeria is well-documented, including previous arrests and public altercations. However, while his antics at home might be dismissed as “street credibility,” such behavior on foreign soil carries far graver implications. The spectacle of a Nigerian artist embroiled in a public confrontation abroad risks tarnishing the country’s image in the eyes of the global community.

Back home, reactions to Portable’s behavior in Canada have been mixed. While a segment of his loyal fan base celebrated his audacity as a mark of “realness,” others condemned it as an embarrassment to Nigeria and the Afrobeat movement.

Social media platforms buzzed with comments, ranging from humorous takes to outright condemnation. A Twitter user posted, “Portable is the only artist who can turn an international tour into a street fight. Wahala musician indeed!” Another opined, “As much as Portable entertains us, he needs to understand that there is a thin line between being controversial and being a liability.”

Even within the music industry, some stakeholders have begun to question Portable’s long-term viability. A prominent Nigerian music promoter, who spoke anonymously, remarked, “Talent without discipline is a recipe for disaster. Portable has the potential to go far, but his attitude will continue to hold him back.”

For many artists, an international tour is a career milestone. It is a chance to connect with fans across borders, showcase cultural pride, and expand their brand. For Portable, his tour to Canada could have been all these things and more. His unique Afrobeat and street-hop sound has the potential to resonate with a multicultural audience eager to embrace diverse music styles.

Instead, his antics overshadowed his artistry. His Canadian escapades have become a cautionary tale of how not to conduct oneself on the global stage. The very platform that should have elevated his career has instead been used to air grievances, make threats, and exhibit belligerence.

Despite the controversies, Portable remains a talented musician with a massive following. However, his actions in Canada serve as a stark reminder that talent alone is not enough to sustain a career in the entertainment industry. If Portable is to secure his place in the highly competitive music world, he must learn some critical lessons:

The music business is just that, a business. Artists are not only judged by their music but also by their behavior. Maintaining professionalism is crucial for building trust with promoters, fans, and industry stakeholders.

In fact, Portable’s penchant for airing every grievance on social media does him more harm than good. Given the inherent disadvantages that are inherent in his cantankerous disposition, it is high time he is advised that diplomacy and restraint often yield better results than public outbursts.

In fact, Portable must recognize that what may be tolerated in Nigeria may not be acceptable elsewhere. His behavior in Canada highlights the importance of respecting cultural norms and understanding the consequences of one’s actions abroad.

Not only that, he should be told that every tour, every event, and every encounter is an opportunity to build lasting relationships. Without a doubt, Portable’s current trajectory risks alienating potential collaborators and fans alike.

Now wait for the bigger picture as his antics speak to a larger issue within the entertainment industry: the need for proper artist management and mentorship. Many emerging artists, especially those from humble beginnings, are thrust into fame without the necessary guidance on how to navigate their newfound status. For Portable, a strong management team could help channel his energy into productive endeavors while curbing his self-destructive tendencies.

Portable’s Canadian tour was meant to be a celebration of his rising influence in the global music scene. Instead, it became a series of unfortunate events that highlighted his flaws more than his talent. While his fans may continue to revel in his drama, Portable must ask himself whether this is the legacy he wants to leave behind.

The saying “Wahala, wahala, wahala” has become synonymous with his brand, but it is high time for him to redefine what that phrase means. Does it represent unbridled chaos, or can it symbolize an artist who overcame adversity to achieve greatness? The choice is his to make, but one thing is certain: the world is watching, and not always for the right reasons.