Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, recently waded into the ongoing debate regarding earnings between musicians and footballers. In a video message posted on his social media page, the ‘Zazu’ crooner asserted that musicians significantly outearn soccer stars. “Music money is bigger than football money,” he emphasized, highlighting the lucrative nature of the music industry. Portable further stirred controversy by suggesting that musicians even surpass the earnings of individuals involved in illicit activities such as ritualists and fraudsters.
“Musicians earn more than ritualists and fraudsters,” Portable claimed boldly, attributing this financial success to the substantial revenue generated through platforms like Apple Music. “Apple Music revenue is huge,” he noted, underlining the robust financial opportunities available to musicians compared to their counterparts in football. The singer dismissed any notion that footballers could compete financially with musicians, asserting, “Footballers can’t compete.”
Portable’s statements have sparked varied reactions across social media, with some supporting his perspective on the economic prowess of musicians. He challenged those who argue that footballers earn more than musicians, suggesting they misunderstand the economic dynamics of both industries. “People saying footballers earn more than musicians don’t know what they are saying,” he remarked, reinforcing his belief that musicians occupy a preeminent position in terms of earnings.
The singer’s comments reflect broader discussions within Nigerian entertainment circles about the financial rewards of different professions within the industry. Portable’s assertion that musicians top even illegal earners in financial returns has drawn attention to the scale of earnings in music compared to other fields. His vocal stance underscores the perceived disparity in financial rewards between music and sports, contrasting the revenue models of streaming platforms like Apple Music with the contractual earnings of footballers.
As Portable continues to provoke debate with his outspoken views, his remarks highlight the complex relationship between talent, industry economics, and public perception within Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment sector. His comparison of music earnings to those involved in illicit activities challenges conventional assumptions about wealth and legality, stirring discourse about the economic realities faced by different professions in contemporary Nigerian society.
In conclusion, Portable’s assertion that musicians earn more than footballers and even illicit earners has ignited significant debate within Nigeria’s entertainment industry. His outspoken comments on social media underscore the financial disparities between professions within the sector, challenging perceptions and sparking broader discussions about wealth and legality in contemporary Nigerian society.
