The colorful and often controversial Nigerian star, Habeeb Okikiola, known to the world as Portable, is trading the microphone for textbooks. He has announced ambitious plans to pursue further education.
Though the “Zazu” singer already holds an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) from Kwara State Polytechnic, he feels a strong need for more knowledge. He believes advanced business expertise is crucial for successfully navigating the music industry’s intricate financial landscape.
Portable’s choice to re-enter the classroom springs from a deep-seated desire. He wants to gain superior control over the legal and financial facets of his music enterprise. He emphasizes that fully mastering complex areas like royalties and deal negotiation is vital for the future growth of his company.
Securing the Empire of Zeh Nation
At the center of his educational ambition sits his record label, Zeh Nation. Portable explained the necessity of this academic pursuit:
“Even though I already have an OND from Kwara State Polytechnic, I still want to further my education so I can understand my music royalties and business deals better, especially for my record label, Zeh Nation.”
By acquiring this advanced business intelligence, Portable aims to ensure maximum efficiency in his music empire’s operations. He stresses he must not rely completely on outside experts like lawyers or financial advisors for essential guidance and executive decisions. This move clearly signals a strategic shift toward complete entrepreneurial and financial self-governance.
Decoding the Complexity of Music Royalties
Understanding the world of music royalties is notoriously difficult for artists globally. These crucial payments originate from multiple income streams:
- Mechanical Royalties: Earnings paid every time music is reproduced, such as through streaming downloads or physical CDs.
- Performance Royalties: Funds generated whenever music is played publicly, including on radio, television, or in live venues.
- Synchronization Royalties: Income received when music is licensed for use in visual media, like advertisements or films.
Portable intends to study these intricacies. His goal is to ensure that Zeh Nation accurately registers his creative works and maximizes revenue collection from all global sources. This proactive investment will safeguard the financial longevity of his artistic career.
Education as the Ultimate Protection
Portable’s decision reflects a growing realization within the Afrobeats scene. Artists understand that sharp business acumen must complement creative talent for sustained success.
The ability to negotiate fair deals, read complex contracts, and understand international intellectual property laws is now viewed as the best defense against exploitation.
His desire to deepen his knowledge base speaks volumes about his character and humble origins. Having ascended rapidly from poverty, Portable sees education as the ultimate tool for maintaining control over his wealth and artistic output. He is committed to transforming his fame into a secure, professionally managed, long-term business entity.
