Portable’s Traditional Practices Sparks Reaction Online
Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has started a conversation again with his latest traditional practices. A video making the rounds on social media shows the controversial artist holding a snail charm and chanting incantations in his native language. In the video, Portable is praying for wealth and glory, another part shows him surrounded by traditionalists.
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This is not the first time Portable has shown off his traditional practices. In August 2024, he posted a video of himself stirring and tasting a thick, blood-red liquid in a white bowl, with other bowls containing kola nuts and raw meat. He said it was an “Ifa r!tu@l” and called himself a “money-making machine.”
Portable further confirms his traditional practices with another video of pots filled with mysterious items, including shells and money. The post was captioned: “We Pray For Money And Grace Forever.”
This has got people talking. Some are concerned about his activities, others see it as a personal choice or a publicity stunt. A part of his fanbase loves his authenticity, one of them commented “The only celeb that refused to fake it for us.”
Portable has also been criticized by some. In 2023, his song ‘Kuku Do R!tu@l’ was condemned for promoting r!tu@l!sm. Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) demanded its ban, saying it was an “open invitation to cr!m!n@l!ty”
Despite the controversies, Portable remains a big name in Nigerian music. His street-hop music and unapologetic display of cultural practices keep him in the spotlight, talking about the intersection of tradition, modernity, and personal expression in Nigerian society today.
Watch the video below:
