Nigerian singer and social media personality, Portable, known for his outspoken and often controversial remarks, has once again stirred up a storm online. This time, his focus was on fellow artist Tiwa Savage, who he called out for sharing photos in her underwear at the age of 40. The remarks, which came during a recent TikTok live stream, have divided social media users, sparking a range of reactions from support to condemnation.
Portable, who has built a reputation for his candid takes on pop culture and societal issues, expressed concern over what he perceived as inappropriate posts by the singer. In his words: “I’ve noticed something; someone needs to talk to Tiwa Savage, please. Tell her to calm down o. I’ve been listening to her music since I was small, now I’m a father, and mummy Tiwa Savage is still posting pictures in her underwear. Only panties? Is it good for a mum to post pictures in her underwear?”
Despite the criticism, Portable did not deny his admiration for Tiwa Savage’s enduring appeal. “E dey enter my eye, make I no lie,” he admitted, referencing his attraction to the singer. He added humorously, “The day I met Tiwa Savage and I hugged her, it felt like I hugged a mermaid and was being swept away. But someone should tell her to calm down with the naked outfits.”
Portable’s mixed message—an admonishment wrapped in admiration—quickly went viral, drawing responses from fans and critics alike.
Mixed Reactions from Social Media Users
The responses to Portable’s remarks have been varied. Some users on social media platforms echoed his concerns, agreeing that Tiwa Savage’s choice of attire might be at odds with her status as a mother. One Instagram user remarked, “I actually don’t think he means any harm. He’s just not emotionally intelligent. So he lacks the methodology to communicate his message appropriately. He’s basically saying Tiwa’s dress sense is becoming ‘fighting temptation’ in a nutshell.”
Others found Portable’s comments disrespectful and hypocritical, calling out his tone and the double standards in the music industry. One outraged user asked, “What level of disrespect is this?” while another stated, “He should be shut up… Tiwa Savage is an entertainer. If Nicki Minaj did the same, you would not talk.”
The controversy highlights the ongoing debate over how female artists in the entertainment industry navigate their public image and personal choices, particularly as they age. Tiwa Savage, who has consistently been a trailblazer in Afrobeat and pop music, has often spoken about embracing her power, confidence, and independence as a woman.
Portable’s comments, while garnering some agreement, also underscore a broader societal tension regarding women’s autonomy and the judgments they face. As the conversation unfolds, many are reflecting on the intersection of personal expression, age, and public perception, especially in an industry that often holds women to a higher standard than their male counterparts.
While Portable’s remarks were made in his characteristic unfiltered style, they have sparked important conversations about gender expectations and double standards in the entertainment industry. Whether one agrees with him or not, the discourse brings attention to the challenges female artists face in maintaining their authenticity while navigating societal expectations.
Tiwa Savage herself has yet to respond to Portable’s comments, but her fans continue to rally behind her, celebrating her as an artist who remains fearless and influential at 40.