Portable Fires Back at VeryDarkMan: ‘Mind Yourself, These Men Have Done More Than You Ever Will!’

In a fiery clapback that has lit up Nigerian social media, controversial singer Portable has taken to the internet to fiercely defend some of Afrobeats’ biggest names—Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid—after activist and social commentator VeryDarkMan (VDM) criticized the trio over their extravagant spending habits and perceived lack of societal impact. VDM’s comments, which questioned what Nigerian fans had truly gained from supporting these megastars, sparked instant backlash, but none more vocal or dramatic than Portable’s unfiltered rant.

Portable, never one to mince words, launched into a passionate defense of the musicians in a viral video, calling out VDM by name and accusing him of hypocrisy. “VeryDarkMan mind yourself,” he began, his voice filled with emotion. “Mind the way you talk about Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid. These men have helped a lot of people! They have helped me! Burna gave me N20 million. Davido donated N300 million to charity. The N100 million Don Jazzy gave you—till today, how many schools have you built?”

His statement immediately sent shockwaves through social media, with fans and critics alike dissecting every word. Portable’s outburst has once again thrust him into the national spotlight, a place he occupies almost as frequently as the artists he was defending. Known for his brash, unpredictable persona, the “Zazoo Zeh” crooner has a reputation for stirring controversy. But this time, many believe he’s speaking truth to a rising tide of cynicism.

VeryDarkMan, who has built a following as an outspoken online watchdog of celebrity culture and political hypocrisy, had earlier called out Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy for flaunting their wealth—especially their recent luxury car purchases—at a time when many Nigerians are struggling economically. “Don’t you people read the room?” he had asked in a widely shared post. “What have your fans benefited from you?” The implication was clear: these stars were enriching themselves while doing little to uplift their fans and communities.

But Portable, armed with receipts and an unmistakable Lagos street energy, wasn’t having it. “People that have helped thousands of Nigerians, you dey call dem out? Davido dey give. Burna dey give. Even Wizzy, quiet as he be, dey support people lowkey. No be everything dem dey post,” Portable snapped, wagging a finger at the camera. “No be to dey shout for camera be help.”

His comments ignited a fierce online debate. Supporters of Portable praised him for speaking up, arguing that celebrities shouldn’t be bullied for how they spend their hard-earned money, especially when they have proven track records of generosity. Others, siding with VDM, argued that the kind of wealth and influence Nigerian superstars wield comes with a responsibility to be more visible in community development and national issues.

Still, many observers found Portable’s personal testimonies—especially regarding Burna Boy and Davido—difficult to ignore. Burna Boy reportedly gifted Portable a whopping N20 million, a gesture that speaks volumes about his behind-the-scenes philanthropy. Meanwhile, Davido, widely regarded as one of the most charitable figures in Nigerian entertainment, has documented numerous donations and outreach initiatives, most notably his massive N300 million donation to orphanages across Nigeria in 2024.

But Portable didn’t stop there. He brought receipts to back up his attack on VeryDarkMan. “You, VDM, Don Jazzy give you N100 million. Where the schools? Where the hospitals? Where the youth empowerment? You come dey talk anyhow because you dey see camera,” he said, referencing a previous donation from legendary producer Don Jazzy that was meant to support VDM’s advocacy work. “All na clout.”

While Portable may not be the most polished speaker or the most diplomatic, his words hit a nerve. His passionate defense of the very artists who have often been accused of aloofness underscores a deeper truth in Nigerian pop culture: that many stars give more than they’re credited for, just not always in the public eye. There’s a long-running tension in the celebrity-fan relationship in Nigeria—fans want their idols to be accessible, to give back, to be part of the struggle. But the reality of fame often places artists in ivory towers where their actions are scrutinized and their silence interpreted as apathy.

VeryDarkMan, for his part, has yet to directly respond to Portable’s accusations, though fans are already anticipating a fiery rebuttal. Known for his unapologetic style and rapid-fire clapbacks, VDM isn’t one to stay silent when called out, and many expect this online feud to escalate in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Portable has gained renewed attention and support from some unexpected corners. A few fans are even calling for a public sit-down between Portable, VDM, and representatives of the artists in question to hash out their differences and promote unity in the entertainment industry. While that may be wishful thinking, the idea underscores just how deeply Nigerians are invested in the behavior and moral compass of their celebrities.

In a climate where economic hardship is at an all-time high, emotions are running raw, and public figures are expected to carry the burdens of social responsibility, Portable’s rant feels less like a rant and more like a wake-up call to those who criticize without full context. “No be to dey talk anyhow on top ring light be activism,” he said in his closing words. “Respect those wey dey help, even if you no like dem music.”

As the dust settles and responses continue to pour in, one thing is clear—Portable has reignited the conversation about what real impact looks like in the entertainment world. Whether one agrees with him or not, his voice is echoing in every digital corner of Nigeria this week.

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