Portable Sparks Controversy with Allegations of Award Show Conspiracies in Nollywood

Street-hop sensation Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has once again made headlines, but this time, it’s not for his music. In a fiery Instagram video, the controversial artist has accused Nigerian entertainment award ceremonies, particularly the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), of harboring cliques and silent conspiracies that undermine deserving talent.

Portable’s allegations center around veteran actor Ibrahim Chatta, who was nominated for Best Lead Actor at the 11th edition of the AMVCAs for his standout performance in House of GAA. Despite his strong performance, Chatta lost out to Femi Adebayo, whose role in Seven Doors earned him the coveted award. Adebayo’s co-star, Chioma Chukwuka, also claimed the Best Lead Actress award.

The Allegations and Portable’s Frustration

In his Instagram rant, Portable did not hold back. He claimed that Ibrahim Chatta had been deliberately denied the award, despite his impressive acting skills. The artist expressed his frustration, declaring that there were hidden forces working against deserving individuals in the industry.

“My fans, there is a gang up in the Nigerian entertainment industry, even in Nollywood. They didn’t give Ibrahim Chatta an award at the 11th AMVCA despite his impeccable acting. That was how I was also snubbed by The Headies Awards,” Portable said in the video.

Portable’s outburst is not new. The artist has built a reputation for speaking his mind and challenging the status quo in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. His accusations are part of a wider discourse surrounding the credibility of awards and the extent to which merit influences the recognition of talent.

Portable’s Call for Recognition Beyond Awards

In a passionate plea, Portable added, “We don’t need awards. We need food, we need money. We have money, but we can’t use money to buy awards like some persons. Ibrahim Chatta, if they don’t award you, God will reward you. My boss, you are my mentor. I love you.”

Portable’s comments echo sentiments shared by many in the entertainment industry who feel that awards are often driven by politics, favoritism, or financial influence rather than pure talent. The artist’s criticism extends beyond Chatta’s snub, also alluding to his own experiences with being overlooked at prestigious award shows like The Headies.

Ibrahim Chatta’s Ongoing Struggle with Recognition

Ibrahim Chatta, a veteran of Nollywood with a career spanning decades, has often voiced his frustrations with the lack of recognition at major award shows. In 2023, Chatta himself suggested that his exclusion from AMVCA nominations was not a matter of merit, but part of a deliberate attempt to sideline him. His recent loss at the AMVCA only strengthens the belief that there are deeper issues at play within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Portable’s allegations have brought the conversation back to the forefront, raising questions about the transparency of the voting and selection processes at these award ceremonies. Are these awards truly given based on merit, or do industry politics and hidden agendas influence the final decisions?

The Broader Debate on Award Show Credibility

The accusations made by Portable have reignited long-standing debates about the integrity and fairness of awards in Nollywood and the Nigerian music industry. With artists like Portable, Chatta, and others speaking out, there is increasing pressure on award bodies to address these concerns and ensure that the selection process is transparent, objective, and based on true artistic merit.

As the controversy continues to unfold, fans, industry insiders, and critics alike are questioning whether these awards will continue to reflect the genuine achievements of their recipients or whether they will remain susceptible to the influence of cliques and hidden agendas.

A Call for Change in Nigerian Entertainment Awards

Portable’s fiery outburst highlights a broader issue in Nigerian entertainment, where accusations of favoritism and injustice are not new. Whether or not the AMVCAs, The Headies, and other major award bodies will respond to these allegations remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the conversation about the true nature of award recognition in Nollywood is far from over.

As for Ibrahim Chatta and other underappreciated talents, their journey continues, with or without the industry’s official accolades. Ultimately, as Portable points out, “God will reward you.” Whether through awards or continued fan support, the true value of an artist lies in the impact they make and the love they receive from their audience.