Portable Shows Respect to Pasuma in Street Greeting, Sparks Mixed Reactions Online

A heartwarming moment has been captured on video where Nigerian street singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was seen kneeling to greet the renowned fuji star, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma. The incident took place during the Iyana Ilogbo Day event in Lagos on January 23, 2025, and it quickly went viral on social media.

In the video, Portable, known for his bold and sometimes controversial persona, was seen spotting Pasuma in his white Hilux vehicle. Without hesitation, Portable walked towards the vehicle, prostrated, and greeted Pasuma in a traditional manner, which is a mark of respect in Nigerian culture, especially when addressing elders or prominent figures.

The two stars then exchanged a handshake, solidifying the public show of respect.

Public Reactions: Mixed Responses from Fans

The video sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with fans and followers offering their opinions on the encounter. Some praised Portable for maintaining his street authenticity, while others pointed out the unique dynamic between the two artists.

One user, @prince.saplinks_connection, praised Portable's humility, stating, "This he’s real Omo ita, original street boy, he enjoys the lifestyle, originality is better than fake life." This sentiment was echoed by @ibrahimolaiya77, who expressed their joy at seeing Portable show respect, saying, "Mr Portable now you give me joy. I know you will help me one day, God will help your glory sewing music world best of music boss ma respect."

On the other hand, some viewers expressed concern over the form of greeting, with @idlamido commenting, "Nigeria artists don’t have any respect for law enforcement officers just because of money or what? Nigeria has to wake up, we way bigger than that sh!t." This comment referred to the broader perception of Nigerian celebrities, especially in how they sometimes interact with authority figures.

Meanwhile, @bobo_sneh1 made light of the situation, humorously stating, "Na werey portable make him hang hand like that, Paso wan shake him but portable prefer to hail him than to shake him." It appears that some fans also found humor in the gesture, questioning why Portable didn’t reciprocate the handshake in a typical manner.

Opinion: A Moment of Humility or Just Another Stunt?

Portable’s act of kneeling to greet Pasuma shows a level of respect that is often seen in the Nigerian music scene. It’s not uncommon for younger artists to demonstrate deference to their older counterparts, especially in the high-pressure world of Nigerian entertainment. However, the sincerity behind this greeting is open to interpretation.

On one hand, Portable’s action reflects his recognition of Pasuma's position in the music industry, especially in fuji music, where Pasuma is a giant. It also highlights the cultural value of respect for elders, something that can sometimes be lost in today’s fast-paced, fame-driven world.

On the other hand, there’s a lingering question about the motivations behind this public gesture. Portable is known for his spontaneous and sometimes attention-grabbing actions, leading some fans to wonder if this was just another moment designed to capture headlines. While his humility might be genuine, his track record of bold, controversial statements makes it difficult for some to fully buy into this display of reverence.

In any case, this moment will undoubtedly be remembered as another instance where Portable, a street music icon, put aside his usual bravado to show respect to a living legend. Whether this is a true mark of humility or simply another move in the game of public perception, only time will tell.

But one thing is clear—this meeting between Portable and Pasuma has sparked a much-needed conversation about respect, humility, and authenticity in the Nigerian music industry. Whatever the case, the video has certainly kept fans talking and will likely fuel further interactions between the two stars.