Terry G Rejects Comparisons with Portable: “It’s Disrespectful”
Veteran Nigerian street pop artist and producer Terry G has finally addressed the ongoing comparisons between himself and controversial street music star Portable. Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account on April 14, 2025, Terry G made it clear that he finds the comparisons disrespectful, citing the longevity and impact of his music.
“Make una stop to dey compare me to Portable, it’s disrespectful,” he wrote. “I have music that people still listen to 10 years after release. Legacy no be by noise.”
A Tale of Two Street Kings
The statement comes amid growing fan comparisons between the two eccentric artists, both known for their flamboyant fashion sense, unpredictable behavior, and unconventional music styles. Many fans argue that Portable’s rise echoes Terry G’s explosive era of dominance in the late 2000s and early 2010s, thanks to his energetic hits and chaotic stage presence.
Terry G, popularly known as the Akpako Master, carved a niche for himself with genre-blending tracks that fused Galala rhythms, hip-hop, and elements of White Garment Church chants. His music was experimental, unfiltered, and often viral—an approach that made him a household name with tracks like Free Madness, Run Mad, and Testing Microphone.
Portable’s Viral Antics
Since his breakout hit Zazoo Zehh in 2021, Portable has become a mainstay in Nigeria’s street pop scene, equally known for his music and for his unfiltered behavior on social media. Unlike Terry G, however, Portable’s rise has been peppered with police run-ins and public outbursts that have frequently landed him in hot water.
Despite these controversies, Portable’s fans see a reflection of Terry G’s raw, unpolished energy in the younger artist’s approach to fame and creativity.
Mutual Respect but Clear Differences
While Terry G has previously admitted to seeing a bit of himself in Portable, he’s now drawing a clear line between the two. During a past appearance on the Honest Bunch Podcast, he acknowledged Portable’s boldness but emphasized that their music and legacy should not be equated.
The two have even collaborated musically. Portable featured Terry G on the single Ogbafia, and they both appeared on C Prince’s track Koba—a gesture that once hinted at mutual respect.
However, with his recent statement, Terry G seems to be setting boundaries around his legacy and rejecting any attempt to downplay his influence or reduce his journey to mere eccentricity.
The Bigger Picture
For fans of Nigerian street pop, the debate underscores a larger conversation about how fame, controversy, and cultural impact are measured in the industry. While Portable continues to command attention with his unfiltered persona, Terry G is asserting that his body of work—timeless hits and creative risks—speaks louder than internet virality.
As the street pop genre continues to evolve, it’s clear that both artists have left distinct marks, but according to Terry G, not all legacies are created equal.
