“Award or Agenda?” — Portable Backs Ibrahim Chatta, Alleges Industry Gang-Up Over AMVCA Snub
Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has stirred fresh dust in the entertainment scene, claiming there is a "gang-up" within Nollywood and the Nigerian entertainment industry aimed at sidelining certain talents.
In a fiery Instagram video, Portable reacted to actor Ibrahim Chatta’s loss at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), alleging that the actor was unjustly denied the Best Lead Actor award for his performance in House of GAA. The award went to Femi Adebayo for his role in Seven Doors.
“They didn’t give Ibrahim Chatta an award at the 11th AMVCA despite his impeccable acting… That was how I was also snubbed by The Headies Awards,” Portable said.
“We don’t need awards. We need food, we need money… You can buy awards, but not talent.”
🎤 Opinion: Portable’s Outburst May Sound Loud, But It Echoes a Deeper Truth
While Portable’s delivery is often chaotic, his underlying message strikes a chord — recognition in Nigerian entertainment isn't always about merit.
Ibrahim Chatta’s fans and even neutral viewers agree that his performance in House of GAA was emotionally gripping and technically superb. Yet, year after year, Chatta either gets overlooked or narrowly loses out, raising questions about whether award selections are truly transparent or tinged with bias.
Portable, in his raw and unfiltered style, reminded us of something crucial:
🎭 "You can't use money to buy talent — but can talent survive where politics rules?"
As valid as this conversation is, we must also caution against discrediting others’ wins. Femi Adebayo is a phenomenal actor in his own right. The real issue isn’t one performer versus another — it’s the need for credibility, fairness, and inclusion in our award systems.
Do you believe Ibrahim Chatta was snubbed?
Should entertainers speak out more like Portable?
🔥 Join the debate with #JusticeForChatta #AMVCA2025 #PortableSpeaks #TalkTalkNigeria.