Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Controversial street-hop artist Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, has officially thrown his hat into the ring following Davido's $1 million hit-song challenge, boldly declaring that he possesses more hit tracks than the Afrobeats superstar and demanding that Davido hand over the money. The singer's brazen response, which has since gone viral across social media platforms, adds a new layer of drama to what has become one of the most talked-about debates in the Nigerian music industry.
The saga began when Davido, during a recent livestream with streamer Davrel, declared that no contemporary Nigerian artiste has more hit songs than he does. The Grammy-nominated singer, who recently released his sixth studio album 'ORIADE', made his position unequivocal. “I will put up a $1 million on the table. I will do it versus anybody. A million dollars cash, nobody has more hits than me,” Davido said, according to multiple reports published on August 12, 2026. The statement quickly ignited a firestorm of debate among fans and fellow artistes, with names like Olamide, Wizkid, and Burna Boy being floated as potential challengers.
But it was Portable who seized the moment with characteristic audacity. In a video that has been widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter), the 'Zazoo Zeh' singer declared himself ready to face Davido, claiming that his singles and collaborations have produced major hits. “I'm here to challenge Davido, say I get hit song pass am. My featuring, my single was a hit,” Portable said. He further boasted that his breakout single 'Zazoo Zeh' alone surpasses anything in Davido's catalogue. Portable claimed that Davido has never released a track as massively or culturally “blown” as his breakthrough hit.
Portable was careful to acknowledge the artistes who helped him achieve his success, crediting industry heavyweight Olamide and British rapper Skepta for providing the collaborations that propelled him to stardom. “Olamide Baddo was a hit maker. He hit me, he gifted me hit. Yes, he gave me a feature, just like Skepta. Skepta gave me a feature. They gave me a hit,” he said. The singer rose to mainstream prominence with his collaboration with Olamide and Poco Lee on 'Zazoo Zehh,' a track that became one of the defining street anthems of 2022.
Portable did not stop at simply claiming superiority. He framed his challenge as a matter of financial justice, suggesting that the only thing standing between him and the lifestyle he deserves is the money itself. “I'm a single hit. I get hit pass Davido oo. Na money just remain to buy luxury cars like Lambo and the rest. Na everyday me I dey sing hit,” he boasted.
The singer's response is consistent with his long pattern of public comments about bigger artists. He has repeatedly discussed Olamide's early boost via the remix of his breakout 'Zazoo Zeh,' while sometimes complaining that Olamide only gave a verse rather than fuller management or signing support. He has similarly praised Skepta for more hands-on help, including the 'Tony Montana' feature and other assistance, and has had on-and-off friction with Davido—accusing him of offering only meals and advice without a verse or a bigger platform. The timing of Portable's latest outburst aligns with the fresh online buzz around Davido and the rumored hits showdown, with Portable appearing to insert himself into the conversation in his usual bold, self-aggrandizing style.
The challenge has drawn mixed reactions from fans and industry observers. While some have applauded Portable's audacity and willingness to take on one of Afrobeats' biggest stars, others have questioned whether his catalogue can truly stand up to Davido's 15-year career, which includes numerous chart-topping hits and a global fanbase. Davido's claim that no one has more hits than him is backed by a catalog that spans from his 2011 breakthrough 'Back When' featuring Naeto C to his recent album 'ORIADE,' a 13-track project that features a global lineup of talent.
Portable's challenge also highlights the ongoing debate over what constitutes a "hit" in the Nigerian music industry. While Davido's songs have achieved massive commercial success and international recognition, Portable's street anthems have resonated deeply with a different demographic, raising questions about how hit songs should be measured—by charts, streams, cultural impact, or grassroots popularity.
As the debate continues to unfold, the ball is now firmly in Davido's court. Whether he will respond to Portable's challenge or dismiss it as the antics of a controversial figure remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Portable has succeeded in drawing attention to himself and his catalogue, ensuring that his name remains at the centre of the conversation. For a singer who has built his career on controversy and viral moments, that may be a victory in itself. Whether he will ever see the $1 million he is demanding is another question entirely.
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