Portable criticises Saheed Osupa for reporting his song over copyright issues, sparking a viral rant on social media

Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has sparked a heated dispute with veteran Fuji musician Saheed Osupa, accusing him of taking down his song from major streaming platforms over copyright infringement.

The altercation began when Osupa reportedly raised concerns over Portable using a line from one of his songs without permission, prompting the removal of the track from Spotify and Apple Music.

In a viral Instagram video posted on Wednesday, Portable lashed out at the veteran Fuji artist, expressing his frustration over the incident. “Saheed Osupa, you are big for nothing. If you can’t embrace me, I will drag you,” he declared, addressing the alleged snub and criticism from Osupa.

The issue arose when Portable incorporated a line from Osupa’s song into his own music, which led to Osupa filing a copyright complaint.

According to reports, Osupa and his distributors objected to the use of the sample, ultimately resulting in the track’s removal from popular streaming platforms.

Portable, who is known for his unapologetic and controversial public persona, went on to compare the incident with a similar situation involving another prominent musician, Pasuma.

“The same way I used a line from your music is the same way I removed three verses from Pasuma’s song. But Pasuma never reported my song,” Portable said, indicating that Pasuma had taken a more supportive approach despite the music overlap.

In his rant, Portable also praised Pasuma, calling him a “good man” for embracing him, unlike Osupa, who he described as a “big for nothing fellow.”

He emphasised the differences in how the two artists had responded to similar situations, contrasting Pasuma’s willingness to collaborate and support him with Osupa’s decision to challenge his use of the sampled lyrics.

Portable’s comments have since sparked widespread debate on social media, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the copyright issue and the dynamics of support within the Nigerian music industry.

While some agree with Portable’s stance, others argue that artists have the right to protect their intellectual property.

The ongoing clash between Portable and Saheed Osupa highlights the complexities of copyright law in the music industry and the challenges artists face when it comes to collaboration and permission.

It also raises questions about the role of established musicians in nurturing and supporting younger, emerging talents.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the two artists will come to a resolution or whether the tension will escalate further, continuing to fuel discussions within the Nigerian music scene.