British Nigeria music mogul, Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr, aka Skepta has featured Nigerian artiste, Habeeb Okikiola pka Portable in his new single ‘Tony Montana’.
From the rough streets of Ilogbo, Ogun State, Nigeria, to sharing the mic with a grime legend— Portable's story is one of sheer audacity and the amplifying power of social media.
Two years ago, Habeeb Okikiola, better known by his stage name Portable (or Omo Olalomi, Dr Zeh), was hustling his way through the world, his raw talent bubbling underground. Then, a single spark ignited a firestorm.
Portable's infectious energy and unapologetically original street-pop style, evident in his breakout hit "Zazoo Zeh," took hold of the internet with an iron grip. Social media, the great equalizer, became his platform. Videos of his performances, infused with his signature dance moves and Yoruba-laced lyrics, spread like wildfire. Borders dissolved, the rhythm resonating across continents.
His authenticity resonated deeply, particularly with the Nigerian diaspora. Here was a young man, unburdened by the need to conform, carving his own path in the music industry. His rawness, some might call it "crude," became his badge of honor, a testament to his unfiltered expression.
Enter Skepta, the grime heavyweight with Nigerian roots. Having established himself as a titan in the UK music scene, his eye, keen on talent, caught sight of Portable's meteoric rise.
This collaboration is not unwarranted—it is a king recognizing a kindred spirit— real recognize real—one who defied the odds and rose from the streets with his unique sound intact. Also, Skepta’s background is Nigerian as well, having even been made a chief in his parent’s home state of Ogun.
Their new single, "Tony Montana," is a testament to this shared journey. Skepta raps in English, Pidgin, and Yoruba, the languages of his Nigerian heritage seamlessly woven into the fabric of the song. Portable, on the hook, channels the spirit of the iconic character, not as a glorification of violence, but as a symbol of the audacious rise from humble beginnings.
The song is one of the singles that will make up Skepta’s latest and sixth album, entitled Knife & Fork expected to release later this year.
Portable's story is far from over. From the obscurity of the streets to the international stage, his journey embodies the transformative power of social media and the unwavering belief in the power of staying true to oneself.
He is a testament to the fact that sometimes, all it takes is a single spark, a unique voice, and the burning desire to be heard, to rise from the ashes and become a global phenomenon.
Posted by Abdulazeez A Shomade | Published on 2024-03-04 16:04:21