Patoranking is a distinguished member of the recently announced Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 2020 achievers list.
Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, popularly known by his stage name Patoranking, is a famous Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer, songwriter, recording artist, stage performer and model. His beats are a unique blend of dancehall, reggae and Afrobeats combined, recognizable both on the continent and the global music scene.
Patoranking was born in Ijegun-Egba, Satellite Town, Lagos State. He is a native of Onicha, Ebonyi State.
Patoranking started his musical career doing underground collaborations with artists such as XProject, Konga, Slam and Reggie Rockstone. In 2010, he signed a record deal contract with K-Solo’s Igberaga Records and released his hit single “Up in D Club”.
Patoranking became a protégé of Dem Mama Records after collaborating with Timaya on his song “Alubarika” in 2013.
In February 2014, he signed a record deal with Foston Musik and released single “Girlie O”, a top party favourite. The hit remix of the song which featured Tiwa Savage was well received and enjoyed massive airtime.
Patoranking’s musically catalogue grew over the next few years, with various singles and numerous guest appearances on songs by other artists, including vocal spots on Seyi Shay’s hit “Murda,” Khuli Chana’s “No Lie,” and many others.
In early 2016, he was appointed as one of the judges for the freshly launched televised singing competition, The Voice Nigeria. Later that same year, he released his first debut studio album “God Over Everything” with guest appearances from Phyno, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Flavour, Olamide, Timaya, and others. The album debuted at number 4 on Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart.
In 2018, he travelled with American singer and songwriter Lauryn Hill for The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill albums 20th-anniversary tour across North America as a special guest.
Patoranking issued his sophomore album on his own label, Amari Musiq in May, 2019. The album was named after his daughter, Wilmer and it attained number 5 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
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Patoranking has received recognition for his work within Nigeria and globally.
In 2014, Patoranking won the award for Best Reggae/Dance Hall Artiste and Best Pop Song at the Headies Awards. In 2015, Patoranking won the award for African Artiste of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. In 2016, he won the award for Best Reggae/Dance Hall Artiste of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards.
Amidst his global recognition and popularity, Patoranking has an intense passion for education. In 2019, he met with the founder of African Leadership University (ALU) and partnered with the organization to launch the ALU Patoranking Scholarship. Through this initiative, he is supporting more entrepreneurial leaders who will bring positive change to their countries and the continent. Asides this, he continues to financially and morally support youth education through various initiatives.
Patoranking is an inspiration and we are immensely proud of him.