‘I am the New Fela’ – Portable
In a bold declaration, the controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has asserted himself as the successor to the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. According to Portable, the title “newborn Fela” was bestowed upon him by his fans, and he proudly embraces it.
During a recent episode of the Bae U Barbi show, Curiosity Made Me Ask, Portable addressed the origins of the title, stating, “I didn’t give myself the title, ‘Newborn Fela.’ My fans gave it to me. You know I have a lot of fans; my fans brought me to this point. Normally, you have to be bold; a lion doesn’t fear to walk alone.”
Responding to those who still perceive him as an up-and-coming artist, Portable confidently asserted his prominence in the Nigerian music scene, challenging anyone to name a superstar bigger than him. He emphasized his current status as a trending musician, with his talk, slangs, movement, and dressing gaining significant attention.
Dismissing any notion of stagnation in his career, Portable declared, “Last year, I was upcoming; this year, I am also upcoming. I will be up and coming every day, coming with new glory every day. Newborn Fela. Every year is my year.” The artist’s bold self-proclamation continues to stir conversations about his place in the music industry and his aspirations to carry on Fela Kuti’s legacy.
