Nigerian controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has announced his intention to return to formal education, citing the need to better understand the complexities of the music industry’s financial and legal frameworks.
The Zazu Zeh crooner, who already holds an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) from Kwara State Polytechnic, disclosed that his decision stems from a growing awareness of the importance of education in navigating the intricate world of music royalties, contracts, and business negotiations.
In his statement, the singer emphasized that furthering his education would equip him with the necessary tools to properly manage his career trajectory and financial earnings. Portable specifically highlighted concerns about understanding the mechanics of music royalties—a notoriously complex area that has left many Nigerian artists vulnerable to exploitation by record labels, distributors, and streaming platforms.
“I want to go back to school so I can understand my music royalties and business deals better, especially for my label,” Portable explained, referencing his own record label, Zeh Nation.
The announcement represents a significant shift in perspective for the artiste, who rose to prominence in late 2021 with his hit single “Zazu Zeh” featuring Olamide and Poco Lee. Since then, Portable has been as much in the news for controversies as for his music, making this academic pursuit a notable development in his public persona.
Industry observers have welcomed the move, noting that many Nigerian musicians, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, often lack the business acumen necessary to protect their interests in an industry fraught with exploitative practices. The Nigerian music industry has seen numerous cases of artists complaining about unpaid royalties, unfavorable contracts, and financial mismanagement.
By pursuing further education, Portable joins a growing number of Nigerian entertainers who are prioritizing business education alongside their creative careers. His decision also underscores a broader conversation about artist empowerment and the need for musicians to take active control of their intellectual property and business affairs.
As Portable prepares for this new chapter, fans and industry stakeholders alike will be watching to see how this educational pursuit translates into better business decisions for the controversial but undeniably talented performer.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Nigerian singer Portable is returning to school to gain a better understanding of music royalties and business contracts—a crucial move that highlights the urgent need for artists, particularly in the Nigerian music industry, to protect themselves from financial exploitation.
His decision underscores an important lesson: creative talent alone isn’t enough; artists must also equip themselves with business knowledge to truly control their careers and earnings.
