In a blistering social media rant that’s got the streets buzzing, controversial Afro-fusion artist Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, has issued a stern warning to fans about a sneaky impersonator fleecing show promoters with bogus bookings. To set the record straight, the “Zazuu” hitmaker dropped a bombshell on his fees: “I make ₦10 million plus per show” – a flex that’s equal parts brag and blueprint for spotting the fraud.
The drama ignited earlier this week when Portable, 30, hopped on Instagram Live from his Ogun State base, his signature energy cranked to 11. “Dem dey use my name chop money o! Fake me dey collect half-half for show wey I no know,” he fumed in his trademark Pidgin flair, gesturing wildly at the camera. According to the singer, the impersonator – allegedly posing as his manager on WhatsApp and Telegram – has been hawking “Portable appearances” at slashed rates, pocketing advances from desperate event organizers before ghosting them. “Na so dem go use me spoil my name? Abeg, no send money give anybody wey no be me direct!”
Portable didn’t stop at the exposé; he laid out his premium price tag like a boss, echoing hikes he’s teased since late 2023 when he first bumped his rates to $10,000 (roughly ₦10 million at the time) for gigs, features, and even casual link-ups. “Now na plus-plus – ₦10M minimum, no shaking! If you wan book Zazu Zeh, holla me proper, no third party,” he declared, promising a 10% cut to legit connectors who bring verified deals his way. Fans speculate the “plus” could nod to his post-bail glow-up earlier this year, when he cheekily jacked fees to ₦20 million after a high-profile scuffle, turning legal drama into dollar signs.
This isn’t Portable’s first rodeo with copycats. The Ogun-born firebrand, who skyrocketed from street busker to global sensation with viral bops like “Zazuu” and “Clear,” has been battling fraudsters since his 2022 breakout. Back in June, he locked horns with skit king Carter Efe over a similar dust-up: Portable demanded ₦10 million for a TikTok Live collab, sparking accusations of greed that he clapped back at with, “Na who no get sense go do am free!” That feud, tied to broader chats on artist exploitation, even dragged in his ex-protege Young Duu, whom Portable roasted for not charging enough in collabs.
The impersonator alert has fans in a frenzy, with #PortableScamAlert trending on X (formerly Twitter) and over 200,000 views on his Live clip in under 24 hours. Supporters are rallying: “Dr. Zeh go protect him people! No let fake win,” one fan commented, while critics sniped, “₦10M per show? Na why una no fit book am for village wedding.” Event planners, meanwhile, are heeding the call – one promoter told Legit.ng he’s now verifying via Portable’s official @portablebaeby handle before wiring a dime.
In Nigeria’s cutthroat entertainment scene, where advance-fee scams snag millions yearly (the EFCC busted over ₦5 billion in fraud last quarter alone), Portable’s move is a wake-up slap. “I no be poor man again; I charge wetin I worth,” he wrapped up, flashing stacks that looked suspiciously fresh. As he preps for a UK tour amid whispers of a new album drop, one thing’s clear: The Wahala King isn’t just warning – he’s watermarking his worth. Fans, take notes: If it’s not straight from the source, it’s straight-up suspect.