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Drama as organiser stops Portable from performing at Ibadan show

By Musa Adekunle

04 January 2025   |   2:27 pm

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The organiser of the much-anticipated Taye Currency concert has revealed why controversial singer Portable was prevented from performing at the event in Ibadan. The concert, hosted by renowned Fuji musician Taiwo Adebisi, better known as Taye Currency, took place on 2 January. While fans expected a star-studded lineup, including the street-hop star Portable, the singer…

The organiser of the much-anticipated Taye Currency concert has revealed why controversial singer Portable was prevented from performing at the event in Ibadan.

The concert, hosted by renowned Fuji musician Taiwo Adebisi, better known as Taye Currency, took place on 2 January.

While fans expected a star-studded lineup, including the street-hop star Portable, the singer was notably absent from the stage.

Explaining the decision, Jarule Entertainment, the event organisers, told Tribune Online on Friday that security concerns were behind the move.

READ ALSO: I have more hit songs than Burna Boy – Portable

Portable, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola, had stirred controversy with previous comments about Ibadan, making him a potential target at the show.

“We discussed with the police commissioner and even signed an undertaking to ensure maximum security at the venue,” Jarule Entertainment stated.“Despite that, we received intelligence that some individuals were searching for Portable’s location in Ibadan. To avoid any incidents, we decided it was best for him to stay off the show entirely.

“Unfortunately, he was the only artiste on the lineup who couldn’t perform. As a professional management team, we prioritise security above all. We hope this situation will be resolved soon.”What led to the tension?

Portable, known for his energetic performances, found himself at odds with Ibadan residents following a viral video he posted late 2024. In the video, the 30-year-old criticised his ex-lover, Queen Dami, and took a jab at the city’s housing standards.

He bragged about providing Dami with an apartment featuring a Plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling, while mocking Ibadan, claiming many of its homes lacked such modern features compared to Lagos.

This comment sparked outrage, with residents accusing him of disrespecting the ancient city. Though Portable later apologised and announced his invitation to Taye Currency’s concert, tensions lingered. As the event neared, warnings flooded social media, with some fans cautioning Portable against attending the show.

Security overrides performance

Portable reportedly arrived in Ibadan before the concert and stayed at a hotel near the Palms Mall, where the event was held.Despite his presence, organisers opted to err on the side of caution after learning about the lingering anger among some locals.

The decision not to allow Portable to perform was seen as a preventive measure to avoid any unrest.

Fans of Taye Currency, often described as one of Ibadan’s most beloved Fuji musicians, were still treated to a night of electrifying performances from other artists.