Contentious Habeeb Okikiola, a Nigerian street-hop artist better known by his stage name Portable, has made headlines once more with another dose of his trademark “street wisdom” — this time making fun of people who show off expensive devices like the new iPhone 17 while lacking essentials.
The outspoken Zazoo Zeh crooner made fun of those who boast about having the newest iPhone even when they lack a reliable place to live or personal transportation in a video that swiftly went popular on social media.
Portable stated, “You dey use iPhone 17, you no get 4 tyres, you go soon tire,” in his trademark upbeat tone. This line has since gone viral online and became a meme. He bemoaned the fact that many young Nigerians would rather flaunt their expensive devices than make investments that would really raise their level of living.
He claims that many young people have been misled by the fixation on social validation and brand image, which has caused them to suffer financially while attempting to maintain appearances online. He underlined that discipline and hard effort, not “using iPhone to form big boy or big girl,” are the keys to real success.
Additionally, Portable counseled the young people to put their energies into learning new skills, starting enterprises, and pursuing genuine advancement rather than squandering hard-earned cash on ostentatious social media posts. “Be a hustler, not an iPhone user, and you’ll live a better life.” “Work doesn’t pay, so don’t brag,” he continued in his distinctive Pidgin English.
Portable tackles fake iPhones and “Chinese” versions
The artist addressed the rising problem of fake iPhone 17 models purportedly circulating in Nigerian marketplaces in the same viral video, in addition to denouncing materialistic behavior. He claims that several importers are tricking gullible consumers who only want to “belong” by flooding the market with counterfeit models of the recently introduced phone.
“They bring Chinese, they bring thieves.” Visibly irate, Portable raged, accusing certain dealers of taking advantage of clients’ inexperience and desperation in order to look fashionable. “They want to deceive you, una dey spoil people’s business.” He said that those who spend millions on phones need to receive genuine goods rather than shoddy knockoffs that pass for genuines.
According to Portable, these dishonest tactics harm not just customers but also legitimate entrepreneurs that sell authentic devices. He said that many individuals have fallen prey to dubious street sales and internet frauds as a result of the iPhone 17 frenzy.
Since then, his remarks have spurred national discussion on Nigeria’s expanding consumer culture, the increase in fake products, and how social media pressure has emerged as a key factor in young people’s financial irresponsibility.
Fans react with humour and mixed opinions
As anticipated, Portable’s tirade sparked a flurry of amusing and provocative responses on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. Even if they thought his manner was provocative and humorous, many Nigerians agreed with his message.
“It’s causing wahala because Nigerians like to oppress themselves,” one social media user remarked. Fake iPhone 17 users will justify their oppression of others.
Portable’s remarks were jokingly repeated by another fan, who said, “You dey use iPhone 17, you no get four tyre, you go soon tire.” This became the statement a popular slogan that is currently being repurposed into memes and comedic plays.
Several people commended Portable for his blunt honesty, calling him “the street preacher” who frequently speaks things that others are scared to utter. Others, however, took issue with his tone, arguing that he could still address pressing societal concerns while conveying his point in a less offensive manner.
“Portable fit talk rubbish sometimes, but e dey always make sense deep down,” a Twitter user said. The man speaks truth in code. Another said, “If you look closely, most people don’t save money on portable devices, but they rush to buy the newest iPhone.”
Notwithstanding the differing views, Portable’s most recent tirade has cemented his standing as one of Nigeria’s most vocal and erratic performers — someone who employs humor, slang, and unadulterated vigor to capture the reality of street life.
Numerous celebrities and influencers have joined the discussion on priorities, lifestyle choices, and the importance of financial prudence in an era of digital showmanship as a result of the viral film, which is still creating interest.
See Portable’s candid opinions about iPhone 17 users and the proliferation of counterfeit phones in the popular video below:
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iPhone 17 don cause serious wahala for everyone o 😭💔🫵🏽 pic.twitter.com/I1jpbFgpbm
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) October 17, 2025
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