Portable Accuses AMVCA of Bias Over Ibrahim Chatta’s Snub
Street-hop artist Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, is making headlines again, but this time not for his music. Instead, the singer has turned his attention to accusations of bias and corruption in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, particularly in major award ceremonies. Portable has claimed that the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) snubbed veteran actor Ibrahim Chatta at the recent 11th edition of the awards, despite his strong performance.
In a passionate Instagram video, Portable revealed that there is a “gang-up” in Nollywood, suggesting that certain cliques or conspiracies were behind Chatta’s exclusion. Portable emphasized that Chatta, who was nominated for the Best Lead Actor category, was unfairly overlooked, with Femi Adebayo winning the award for his role in Seven Doors. The Best Lead Actress award also went to another nominee, but Portable focused his frustration on the lack of recognition for Chatta’s acting.
Portable, who has been vocal about his own experiences of being snubbed by The Headies Awards, used the AMVCA as an example of how the system in Nigeria’s entertainment industry is rigged. “My fans, there is a gang up in the Nigerian entertainment industry, even in Nollywood,” he said. “They didn’t give Ibrahim Chatta an award at the 11th AMVCA despite his impeccable acting. That was how I was also snubbed by The Headies Awards.”
The singer’s frustration was clear as he continued, “We don’t need awards. We need food, we need money. We have money, but we can’t use money to buy awards like some persons.” He ended the video by expressing admiration for Ibrahim Chatta, stating, “Ibrahim Chatta, if they don’t award you, God will reward you. My boss, you are my mentor. I love you.”
This is not the first time Chatta has faced accusations of being deliberately excluded. Back in 2023, the actor suggested that his repeated absence from AMVCA nominations was not a coincidence, but rather a deliberate attempt to sideline him within the industry. Chatta’s frustration with the AMVCA has sparked discussions about whether merit truly matters in Nigerian entertainment or if the awards are driven by popularity and hidden agendas.
Portable’s comments only fuel the ongoing conversation about the credibility of major entertainment awards in Nigeria. His statements reflect a larger issue of perceived corruption and manipulation in the selection process, leading many to question if the system truly celebrates talent, or if it’s influenced by backstage politics. With this latest rant, Portable has drawn attention to what he believes is a growing problem in the industry—one that is preventing deserving artists and actors like Chatta from being recognized.
This latest controversy highlights the challenges that come with being a part of Nigeria’s entertainment world. For many artists, the pressure to succeed is immense, and recognition from awards like the AMVCA can often feel like the ultimate validation. But as Portable has pointed out, it seems the road to recognition is not always based on talent alone.
