Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has publicly expressed his disappointment with Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy for allegedly ignoring him after gifting him a generous sum of N20 million.
The outburst came shortly after news broke that Burna Boy had gifted Portable the money following his victory over Speed Darlington in a celebrity boxing match held in Lagos.
While the cash gift drew praise and surprise, Portable has now revealed that the gesture, though appreciated, falls short of what he truly desires from the African Giant.
In a video now making the rounds on social media, Portable laid bare his frustrations, claiming that despite the lavish gift, Burna Boy has been avoiding further communication.
“Burna Boy gave me 20 million naira, but he won’t reply my DMs on Instagram, pick my calls, or even link me,” he said.
The singer’s tone shifted between appreciation and agitation as he expressed how being snubbed by such a high-profile artist has left him feeling used and disregarded.
According to Portable, the money, though generous, is not as valuable to him as the opportunity for a musical collaboration that could elevate his career.
Portable made it clear that his ultimate goal wasn’t just financial support, but a genuine connection and a shot at working with one of Nigeria’s biggest music exports.
“The 20M will finish — what I really need from him is a verse,” he added. His plea highlights a growing concern among emerging artists who often receive short bursts of support from established stars but are left yearning for lasting, career-boosting collaborations.
For Portable, the lack of follow-up from Burna Boy feels more like a symbolic gesture than a meaningful endorsement of his talent.
The singer didn’t hold back in calling out what he saw as a form of selective generosity. “Why are you so stingy with your replies?” Portable asked, rhetorically addressing Burna Boy. His message served as both a cry for recognition and a critique of celebrity culture, where public acts of generosity are sometimes not matched by personal engagement.
While the N20 million gift created headlines, Portable’s emotional appeal has sparked fresh conversation about what upcoming artists really need from their more established counterparts—money, yes, but even more so, mentorship, collaboration, and inclusion.
