One of the strongest bonds that link Africans and their cousins in the Caribbean and diaspora is their unique, vibrant music genres. Our Caribbean cousins are not ashamed to identify with Africans either – whether in food, culture, music, or the like. And speaking of Caribbean music, Reggae and its offspring, Dancehall, is so much loved across Africa – including Nigeria. One exceptional artist who has successfully continued the legacy of Reggae and Dancehall in Nigeria is celebrated singer, Patoranking.
Patoranking has composed songs that are so inspiring, and yet highly danceable all at once. He has become a global voice. You will definitely connect with his songs – so captivating, energetic, melodious, inducing you to swing and sing along. The perfect party songs with a moralistic edge. A huge thumbs up to this talented Reggae-Dancehall singer and songwriter of 21st Century Nigeria for creating some of the coolest, super-exciting vibes ever. Without wasting time – let’s meet Patoranking, the uncommon Reggae-Dancehall maestro right on Nigerian soil.
Who is Patoranking: His Origins
He is a native of Onicha in Ebonyi state, southeast Nigeria; a true Igbo son. But he was born and raised in Lagos – in a town called Ijegun-Egba located in Satellite town (Ojo axis). Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie was born in May 1990. Not much is known about his parents. However, he has two siblings namely Sharon and Raphael.
Patoranking attended Citizen Comprehensive College, Epe. From there, he moved to Jibril Martin Memorial Grammar School Iponri to complete his secondary education. Both schools are in Lagos.
The Reggae-Dancehall exponent began his career as a performer and dancer in street jams and carnivals. Apparently, he had taken a strong liking to Reggae and Dancehall while growing up. In 2012, Patoranking stated in an interview that he drew inspiration from several renown Reggae, Afrobeat and Afro-pop artists. They include Bob Marley, Majek Fashek, Fela Kuti, Buju Banton, Lucky Dube, Blackky, Tuface, Chaka Demus, Blackface, and Marvelous Benjy.
A clear indication of his passion for Reggae and Dancehall was the choice of his stage name – which did not originate from him. Patoranking disclosed that his stage name was coined by another artist – a Jamaican performer he met at Alpha Beach, Lagos.
Patoranking’s style of music infuses strong references to socio-political happenings at home and abroad into his songs. He has described his songs as ‘morally inclined’; choosing to deviate from the heavy slang and raw adult talk quite common in many dancehall songs. In spite of this, his songs are amongst the most favored hits in Nigeria and on the international scene. And the Jamaican-style language and accent is fun to listen to.
Patoranking’s Break into the Nigerian Music Industry
Patoranking started a career in music working in the background for artists such as Reggie Rockstone, XProject, Slam, and Konga. He eventually signed up with Igberaga Records In 2010; under which he released his debut song ‘Up in D Club’. But in May 2012, Patoranking released the song ‘Iya Bisi’ (featuring artists Kbaj and Qdot). It was a Dancehall-Fuji blend.
In September 2013, Patoranking released both the audio and video for the song ‘Alubarika’ – a collaboration with famous Nigerian singer, Timaya. The song became his breakthrough project, as it attracted a large number of music fans and well-known artists to his work. The song also brought him under the mentorship and (temporary) cover of Dem Mama Records (which belongs to Timaya) for a while. He never officially signed up with Dem Mama Records.
But in February 2014, Patoranking signed a record deal with Foston Musik; under which he released the song ‘Girlie O’ in the same month (both audio and video). The ‘Girlie O’ Remix (featuring Tiwa Savage) was released in May 2014; and debuted at number 9 on MTV Base’s Official Naija Top 10 chart. The video for the music was filmed and directed in London. The song was a huge success.
Two other songs of Patoranking climbed up the MTV Base’s Official Naija Top 10 chart in 2014. His single ‘Daniella Whine’ rose to number 4 in May 2014. While ‘My Woman, My Everything’ debuted the chart first at number 2; then peaked at number 1 in June 2014.
Just before the ‘Girlie O’ remix was released, Patoranking and Shaydee both featured in singer, Sheyi Shay’s song ‘Murda’ (released in April 1, 2014).
In February 2015, Patoranking announced on social media that he had signed a distribution deal with VP Records. The following September, he released the virally-popular song ‘Abule’. And in May 2019, Patoranking released the album titled Wilmer (named after his daughter). The album’s popularity soared, spilling into the international scene.
Patoranking has released the following music projects from inception to date:
Albums
- God over Everything (2016)
- Wilmer (2019)
Singles
- So Nice (Non-album single; 2009)
- Up in the Club (2010)
- Iya Bisi (featuring Qdot and Kbaj; 2012)
- Tonite (featuring Faze; 2013)
- Park Well (2014)
- Alubarika (featuring Timaya; 2014)
- Gravity (2013)
- Girlie O (2014)
- Sex Tape (2014)
- Girlie O Remix (featuring Tiwa Savage; 2014)
- Daniella Whine (2015)
- My Woman (featuring Wande Coal; 2015)
- Gal Ting Riddim (Cover; 2015)
- Make Am (2015)
- Another Level (2016)
- No Kissing Baby (featuring Sarkodie; 2016)
- Love You Die (featuring Diamond Platnumz; 2017)
- Available (2017)
- Sunshine (2018)
- Suh Different (2018)
- Heal D World (2018)
- Everyday (2018)
- Confirm (2019)
- Lenge Lenge (2019)
- I’m in Love (2020)
- Celebrate Me (2021)
Patoranking: Net Worth
The Reggae-Dancehall singer is acclaimed to be currently one of the richest musicians in Nigeria. Patoranking stands at an estimated net worth of about 20 million US Dollars (as of 2024).
Patoranking: His Personal Life
Patoranking is currently single. Over the years, he has has been linked with a number of women. They include his longtime girlfriend Leila (the mother of his daughter Wilmer); singer Sheyi Shay; and Ghanaian TV host, Edma Ohemaa.
In all, Patoranking has two children from different women – namely Raphael and WIlmer.
Patoranking: Awards & Nominations
The famous singer has earned a number of coveted industry awards over the years. They include the under listed:
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards (2014): Best New Act of the Year
- City People Entertainment Awards (2014): Dancehall/Reggae Act of the Year
- The Headies (2014): Best Reggae/Dancehall Single; Best Collabo; Next Rated Award
- Ben TV Award (2014): Best New Act; Best Collaboration; Best Reggae/Dancehall
- TooXlusive Online Music Awards (2015): Best Afropop Song
- MTV Africa Music Awards (2015): Best New Act
- Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (2016): African Artiste of the Year
- AFRIMA (2016): Best Artist of the Year
