Controversial Nigerian street-pop singer Portable has criticised some of the country’s biggest music stars, claiming that wealth and fame have negatively affected their creativity and the messages in their songs.
Speaking in a video shared online, the ‘Zazu’ crooner alleged that top Afrobeats stars have become disconnected from the realities of ordinary Nigerians, choosing instead to focus their music on women, luxury and material success.
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According to Portable, excessive comfort and financial success have made the artistes lose touch with the struggles of everyday people, resulting in music that no longer inspires or offers meaningful lessons.
The singer singled out Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy and Olamide, arguing that their recent songs largely revolve around women and lavish lifestyles rather than motivational or conscious themes.
Portable urged the musicians to rethink the direction of their music, stressing that financial success should not overshadow the responsibility of creating songs that positively influence listeners.
He also encouraged them to produce more gospel-inspired, socially conscious music that could motivate fans and address societal issues.
“I noticed that Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Olamide don’t praise God in their songs; they only sing about ladies,” Portable said.
“Is it because they already have money and they believe they can’t fall? Their songs have no motivation. No sensible lyrics. Just women and vanity.”
The singer maintained that Nigerian music should offer more than entertainment, insisting that artistes have a responsibility to inspire people through their lyrics.
“Make conscious music. We are tired of all those songs about frivolities. I am also a musician. You all should do better,” he added.
Portable’s remarks have since generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users agreeing that mainstream music has increasingly shifted toward themes of luxury, romance and partying.
Others, however, defended the artistes he criticised, arguing that musicians are free to express themselves creatively and that listeners have diverse preferences.
The comments add to Portable’s long history of making controversial statements about fellow entertainers. Since breaking into the spotlight with his hit song Zazu Zeh, the singer has frequently sparked debates by publicly criticising colleagues, celebrities and public figures.
Meanwhile, none of the artistes mentioned by Portable has publicly responded to his comments as of the time of filing this report.
For more details, visit New Daily Prime at www.newstimes.com.ng.
