Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has opened up about his difficult upbringing, revealing that he hawked sachet water to support himself through school because he had no one to sponsor his education.
The controversial singer made the revelation during an appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast, in a clip published as a YouTube Shorts video by Glitch Africa Studios on Monday.
Reflecting on his childhood struggles, Portable said financial hardship forced him to combine schooling with petty trading, making it impossible for him to complete his education at the time.
“I no finish school; the time wey I dey go school, I sell pure water, I no see anybody to sponsor me,” he said.
Despite not completing his education, the singer expressed his determination to return to school and earn a qualification.
“I will still finish school, I be student of Kwara Poly,” he added.
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Portable also spoke about his family background, claiming that while his father sponsored the education of his siblings, he was left to fend for himself and was often regarded as the least academically gifted child in the family.
According to him, he was labelled the “olodo” (dull one), but life has since taken a different turn.
“My papa send my brothers and sisters go school, na me be Olodo but now, na me dey feed all of them,” he stated.
The singer’s comments offered a rare glimpse into the hardships he endured before rising to fame, highlighting the challenges he faced in pursuit of a better life.
Portable rose to prominence in 2021 after the release of his breakout hit Zazoo Zeh, featuring Olamide and Poco Lee, and has since remained one of Nigeria’s most talked-about entertainers due to both his music and outspoken personality.
His latest revelation has sparked reactions online, with many fans commending his resilience and determination to overcome adversity despite his difficult beginnings.