Nigerian singer Portable has shared emotional details about his difficult upbringing, saying the lessons he learned from life on the streets shaped him more than what he gained in the classroom.
Speaking during an interview on The Honest Bunch Podcast, the singer revealed that he lost his mother when he was just 13 years old, a life-changing experience that forced him to grow up quickly.Portable said that while there were people around him after his mother’s death, none could replace the love, care and support she gave him. He recalled that she always made sure he had food and pocket money, something he deeply missed after her passing.
To survive, the singer said he started hustling at a young age, including selling sachet water while he was still in school.
He also defended comments recently made by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, encouraging unemployed Nigerians to embrace small businesses. According to Portable, many successful Nigerians were raised by parents who earned a living through petty trading.
The singer stressed that small-scale businesses should not be looked down on, noting that they have helped many families build better lives. He even recalled seeing a corn seller in London who reportedly owned a luxury Mercedes-Benz, using the story to illustrate that humble businesses can be financially rewarding.Portable’s remarks have sparked conversations online about resilience, entrepreneurship and the value of hard work, regardless of how modest a business may seem.
