Tag: Patoranking

Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, the Nigerian reggae dancehall singer, who is popularly known as Patoranking, says his road to stardom is rough and tough, reliving how he hawked on the streets of Lagos with his father to make ends meet.

The Afrobeat artiste, who grew up in Ebute Metta – Lagos urban slum – however said he remained focused and defied all odds to achieving his goals.

Patoranking stated this on Tuesday while accepting to be the UNDP Goodwill Africa Ambassador for Youth Innovation, Enterprise and the SDGs at the launch of the Timbuktoo Fintech Hub in Lagos by the United Nations Development Programme.

“I hawked on the streets of Lagos with my father. Many years ago, I used to sell on this street [Kings Way road]. It used to be a very hot spot for trading. Many years after, everything that I pictured I wanted to become, the man I wanted to become is who I am now. So when I was driving down to this place it was a little bit teary moment for me because I saw myself [on this road],” he said.

The ‘Alubarika’ crooner urged the youths to harness their talents in developing their communities and Africa at large, advocating for a borderless Africa, which he said, aligned with “the 4ps – burning borders and building bridges – that I live by.”

“That is why I have songs with artistes from Uganda, Kenya, Ghana and so on. I accept to be the UNDP Goodwill Africa Ambassador for Youth Innovation, Enterprise and the SDGs. Today I am not just an artiste, I am a voice for many African youths who desire to make Africa work for themselves and their communities.”

Nigerian singer Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, popularly known as Patoranking, has constructed a football stadium in his childhood community of Ebute Metta, Lagos

The exciting development was unveiled to the public through a video shared by the singer on his official Instagram page. Patoranking expressed his desire to give back to the place that shaped his early years.

He wrote;

“God blessed Me, I Blessed my People, I built this from a place of love to unite my Community Ebute Metta…First of Many. World Best.”

Netizens Reactions…

@obi_cubana commented; “Congratulations, brother, World Best for a reason!”

@realjudy__ said: “Saw it when I was looking down the plane , so na you run am?”

@tolaodunsi said: “This is awesome well done bro.”

@iam_nikky said: “Breaking the rules and changing the game.”

@obaksolo said: “Your Head Correct.”

@engrr_yomi said: “Proud of you my G, make nobody sha wear Arsenal Jersey come there.”

@abiodun_duroenjoy said: “Respect to you Patrick. You’re such a blessing to the hood, we’re proud of you, bro.”

@chikaidibia232 said: “My love ,and my brother chai you do well.”