PatoRanking
Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie
Patoranking, is an award-winning Nigerian Reggae-dancehall singer, songwriter and performing artiste. He has gained popularity and risen to prominence in the Nigerian music industry with his unique blend of dancehall and reggae music, and select African percussion lines. His popular releases currently include Alubarika, Girlie O and Girlie O Remix (featuring Tiwa Savage), Happy Day, and Daniella Whine.
Patoranking, the oldest of 4, was raised in a small slum in Lagos, Nigeria known as Ilaje. His family lived in extreme poverty as his parents struggled to put food on the table. By the age of 13, Patoranking began to “hawk”—selling of various goods to passengers on traffic-clogged roads. He wanted desperately to move his family out of the ghetto, in hopes of providing a better environment for his siblings to grow up in and a more comfortable life for his parents.
Patoranking’s career began with him working behind the scenes with a number of top veteran African artistes such as XProject, Konga, Slam and Reggie Rockstone. Through that process, he learnt the value of hard work and creating music that is unique, memorable and relatable. In 2013, Patoranking collaborated with one of Africa’s top dancehall acts, Timaya, to record and release the chart-topping single ‘Alubarika’. The song, which means “God’s Blessings” took the country by storm and, according to Patoranking, was the story of his transition from “ghetto to hero and grass to grace.”
In February 2014, he officially signed a record deal with Foston Musik. Under the label, he has released 4 songs, each with an accompanying video: Girlie O and the Girlie O (Remix) featuring Tiwa Savage, Happy Day, and Daniella Whine. His songs have widely been accepted by fans and received positive. In a year marked with performances in Mauritius, New York, Tanzania, and London—including performing alongside Tinashe at Notting Hill Carnival After party, Patoranking won Nigeria’s most prestigious music award, the Next Rated Award at the 2014 Headies Awards, and The Best New Act Of the Year at the City People Entertainment Awards. He has also received a slew of nominations (16 in total), and took home 8 awards in the process.
After one year and six months of what has been dubbed “a phoenix-like rise” to stardom, Patoranking signed a distribution deal with the World’s largest reggae imprint, VPAL Music/VP Records. Patoranking is the first African Dancehall Artist to sign a distribution deal with VPAL Music/VP Records in the label’s 35 year history. Influenced by Buju Banton, Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, Lucky Dube, Chaka Demus, Majek Fashek, Blackky, Blackface, Tuface and Marvelous Benjy, Patoranking’s music is a morally conscious version of dancehall that references societal issues.
In an era highlighted by mediocre music and content, Patoranking is one of the younger, bolder and new voices people are paying attention to. He remains determined to forge new paths with his music and introduce Africa’s new class of talent to the world, creating music that is vastly appealing and relatable.
Patoranking is currently recording his debut album.
“His energetic fusion of Nigerian culture, combined with Jamaican Dancehall was a fresh, unique approach to the established genre. Patoranking is set to be one of our most exciting releases this year. ”
-Jay Jules, Territory Manager – Africa and Middle East Markets, VP Records
“Patoranking’s romantic charm, positivism and spirituality make him a promising rising star in the global dancehall scene.”
– Alexis Stephens, MTV Iggy
“Reggae music was gradually hitting an all-time low within young generation of music lovers until Dancehall artistes like Patoranking stepped in and rejuvenated the scene”
– Sesan Adeniji, MyStreetz Magazine