Shockwaves as Tunde Perry Roasts Portable’s Hygiene in Viral Outburst

The Nigerian entertainment scene is once again engulfed in heated conversation as social media personality Tunde Perry ignited a fresh round of controversy with his blunt, unfiltered remarks about fast-rising street-hop sensation, Portable. In a statement that has since gone viral across X, Instagram, and TikTok, Perry took direct aim at the singer’s appearance and hygiene, claiming, “Portable is very dirty. The day I met him, he was smelling. He looks like a bandit. How are his wives kissing him?” The comment, laced with humour and mockery, has triggered a whirlwind of reactions from supporters, critics, and curious onlookers as the drama continues to dominate online conversations.

According to Tunde Perry, the encounter that inspired his remarks occurred at a private event where he allegedly came face-to-face with Portable. He described the meeting as “unforgettable for all the wrong reasons,” accusing the controversial artist of carrying an unpleasant odour and presenting himself in a manner far below celebrity standards. His colourful language—calling Portable a “bandit”—was delivered with a laugh, but the undertone of criticism was unmistakable. Whether spoken in jest or frustration, the statement added yet another layer to the ongoing debates about Portable’s public image, behaviour, and personal branding.

Portable, known legally as Habeeb Okikiola, has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most unpredictable, loud, and intensely raw artistes. Since breaking into the limelight with “Zazoo Zeh,” the singer has maintained an unapologetically rugged persona, often wearing his street background as a badge of honour. His interviews, music videos, public fights, and viral antics repeatedly reinforce an identity that is far from polished, and perhaps that rugged reputation is part of what keeps his fanbase loyal. But Tunde Perry’s latest comments take the conversation beyond behaviour and push it into more personal territory—questioning not just Portable’s public conduct but his physical hygiene and even his marriage.

Almost instantly, reactions erupted online. Some commenters found Perry’s remarks hilarious, reposting the video with laughing emojis and captions pointing out that Portable himself frequently indulges in self-deprecating humour and proudly calls himself a “wahala musician.” Others, however, criticized Perry for going “too far,” arguing that personal hygiene—real or assumed—should never be a subject of public ridicule. Several defenders of Portable pointed out that the singer is a family man, a father, and a husband whose domestic life should be off-limits from public insults.

Yet the part of Perry’s comment that gained the most traction was his rhetorical question: “How are his wives kissing him?” For many, this crossed into unnecessary disrespect. Social media users expressed outrage over dragging Portable’s spouses into the fray, arguing that marital relationships should not be used as punchlines. Some noted that Portable’s wives have largely stayed away from online drama, maintaining low profiles despite their husband’s constant media attention. They viewed the remark as unfair and irrelevant.

Meanwhile, others insisted Perry was simply saying what “many have been thinking,” particularly given Portable’s public persona and lifestyle. Clips and screenshots circulated of Portable appearing unkempt in certain videos, with critics arguing that Perry’s claim is not far-fetched. The debate sharpened into two loud camps: those who believe Perry’s commentary is an honest reflection of Portable’s image, and those who see it as a needless character assassination.

While Portable has not yet issued an official response, fans expect one soon. The singer has a well-known history of reacting fiercely to criticism. He has replied to celebrities, fans, promoters, and even fellow musicians with fiery outbursts in the past, often escalating controversies rather than calming them. Many are waiting to see if he will fire back at Perry with the same signature energy that has made him a magnet for media attention.

But beyond the surface-level insult, this latest drama has sparked deeper conversations about celebrity culture in Nigeria. Several commentators argue that Nigerian entertainers are often judged not merely by their talent but by how well they fit a certain mould of glamour, elegance, and “cleanliness.” Artists who present themselves differently—whether intentionally or due to personal preference—are frequently mocked, shamed, or dismissed. Portable’s rough-edged identity, while authentic to his background, puts him constantly at odds with those who expect musicians to adhere to refined standards of fashion, language, and behaviour.

On the other hand, some observers note that public figures carry a certain responsibility for how they present themselves, especially when their brand intersects with young audiences. In their view, if Portable truly appeared unkempt or smelled unpleasant at an event, it reflects poorly not only on him but on the image of the Nigerian music industry on the global stage. These critics argue that the conversation shouldn’t be dismissed as “banter” but seen as an opportunity for celebrities to be more mindful of how they carry themselves in professional spaces.

Interestingly, the incident has also raised questions about authenticity in the entertainment industry. Portable’s fans argue that his entire appeal lies in the fact that he is not attempting to fit into a polished, curated celebrity lifestyle. He represents the streets, the hustle, the chaos, and the rawness that many young Nigerians relate to. To them, expecting him to look or smell like a red-carpet groomed superstar is unrealistic and even unfair. They insist that his “imperfect” image is part of why his rise has been so meteoric.

Meanwhile, Tunde Perry himself seems to be enjoying the attention. He has been reposting fan reactions, sharing memes, and doubling down on his remarks with humour and sarcasm. Whether this was a strategic attempt to gain visibility or an offhand comment that blew out of proportion, the controversy has significantly amplified his public profile. Some speculate that he may be preparing for a new podcast, influencer deal, or online show, leveraging the attention for future ventures.

As the debate continues, industry insiders predict that this won’t be the last time Portable’s personal style sparks conversation. He remains one of the most polarizing figures in Nigeria’s music landscape—beloved by many, mocked by some, and impossible to ignore. With his knack for turning controversy into momentum, there is every chance he will capitalize on this moment, drop a new freestyle, or make a dramatic public appearance that shifts the narrative entirely.

For now, Nigerians remain glued to their feeds as the drama unfolds. Whether Tunde Perry’s remarks will have any lasting impact on Portable’s brand remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that in a digital era where every comment becomes a headline and every headline ignites a storm, no celebrity—especially one as unpredictable as Portable—is ever far from the spotlight.