Patoranking whose full name is Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, is a Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer and songwriter. He began his music career by collaborating with underground artists such as XProject, Konga, Slam, and Reggie Rockstone.
Excited to know more about Patoranking, the reggae-dancehall king? Continue reading…
Early Life
Patoranking (born 27 May 1990), was born and raised in Ijegun-Egba Satellite Town but has family roots in Onicha, Ebonyi State.
He Had A Rough Start…
Patoranking had to do a lot of things for survival because he was the first kid and came from an impoverished family. While in Ghana, he inconvenienced himself to save money and aid his family. Mr. and Mrs. Okorie did their hardest to provide their children with a good education, but financial constraints prevented them from doing so. Their first son took on the responsibility of providing a good life for his family.
Patoranking hasn’t shared much information about his family. We do know that he is the family’s first child and that he has a brother, Raphael Okorie, and a sister, Sharon Okorie. Sharon, his sister, married on Saturday, March 20, 2021, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Education
He attended Citizen Comprehensive College in Epe, Lagos and later enrolled at Jibril Martin Memorial Grammar School in Iponri.
Career
Patoranking began his career in the performing arts as a street jam and funfair dancer. He told Entertainment Express in 2012 that his stage name was provided to him by a Jamaican artist he met at Alpha Beach in Lagos. Patoranking’s musical influences include Buju Banton, Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, Lucky Dube, Chaka Demus, Majek Fashek, Blackky, Blackface, Tuface, and Marvellous Benjy. In the previously stated interview with Entertainment Express, he described his music as a morally inclined variety of dancehall that references socio-political themes.
Patoranking released a single named “Iya Bisi” in May 2012, featuring Qdot and Kbaj. Drumphase produced the song, which is a combination of dancehall and fuji. Patoranking informed Entertainment Express that Qdot and Kbaj assisted him in writing the song by swapping ideas.
Okorie simultaneously released the audio and video for “Alubarika” on September 12, 2013. The song is titled “God’s Blessings” and features Timaya’s vocals. AJE Films directed the “Alubarika” music video, which lasted 4 minutes and 16 seconds. According to an article published by The Nation’s Victor Akande, Patoranking defined the song as a summation of his life as an artist and stated that it opened doors for him in terms of growing a fan base and collaborating with known musicians.
Patoranking inked a record deal with Foston Musik in February 2014, ending his association with Dem Mama Records. Timaya revealed to Toolz on NdaniTV’s The Juice that Patoranking departed his label and was never formally signed. Patoranking released “Girlie O,” a single produced by WizzyPro, on February 4, 2014. Moe Musa directed and shot the music video for the song, which was released on February 5, 2014. Patoranking frees his next-door neighbour from domestic violence in the song video by expressing his natural thoughts to her.
On May 19, 2014, Foston Musik released the Tiwa Savage-assisted “Girlie O” (Remix) to critical praise. It charted at No. 9 on MTV Base’s Official Naija Top 10. Tiwa Savage told MTV Base’s Ehiz that she admires Patoranking’s music and chose to approach him about doing the remix. Moe Musa also shot and directed the music video for “Girlie O” (Remix) in London. Pulse Nigeria’s Joey Akan stated:
“On the new remix, the basic winning elements were not discarded. They were retained and improved. The beat, chorus, and dynamism were held onto, and major work put into the lyrics.”
Patoranking appeared alongside Shaydee on Seyi Shay’s “Murda” single. Dokta Frabz produced the song, which was released on April 1, 2014. The music video for “Murda” was released on Vevo on May 11, 2014. Meji Alabi directed it for JM Films.
Patoranking’s singles “Daniella Whine” and “My Woman, My Everything” landed on MTV Base’s Official Naija Top 10. The former debuted at No. 4 in May and reached No. 1 in June, while the latter “My Woman, My Everything” also charted, peaking at No. 2 in June.
Philanthropy
Patoranking has dived headfirst into the world of philanthropy. He just lives the code he speaks in song, bringing love and happiness well beyond the confines of the studio. He directed his philanthropy towards scholarships through the ALU Patoranking Scholarship platform. Beneficiaries are young African youngsters who do not have the opportunity to receive a proper education.
The platform offers full-tuition scholarships to students from around Africa to attend the famous African Leadership University (ALU). According to the artist, it’s the future generation leaders, emphasizing that we never even considered doing it only for Nigeria; it was always obvious to provide it to everyone. Patoranking also claimed in 2020 that he is caring for 150 children in his community, spanning from primary school to secondary school and university.
Another generous act by the musician occurred in 2020 when he was invited to play on a “One Love” original by Skip Marley. He gave the entire proceeds from the song to UNICEF to benefit children afflicted by the outbreak (COVID-19).
Personal Life
Patoranking is married to Leila Okorie, his longtime lover and baby mama. Wilmer Okorie was born from the couple’s relationship. After her birth, he devoted a song and a whole album to her, titled “Wilmer.”
Discography
Albums
God Over Everything (2016)
Wilmer (2019)
Three (2020)
Singles (selected)
2009: “So Nice”
2010: “Up in D Club”
2012: “Iya Bisi” (featuring Qdot and Kbaj)
2013: “Tonite” (with Faze)
“Park Well”
“Alubarika” (featuring Timaya)
“Gravity”
2014: “Girlie O”
“Sex Tape”
“Girlie O (Remix)” (featuring Tiwa Savage)
2015: “Daniella Whine”
“My Woman” (featuring Wande Coal)
“Gal Ting Riddim (Cover)”
“Make Am”
2016: “Another Level”
“No Kissing Baby” (featuring Sarkodie?
2017: “Love You Die” (featuring Diamond Platnumz)
“Available”
2018: “Sunshine”
“Suh Different”
“Heal D world”
“Everyday”
2019: “Confirm”
“Lenge Lenge”
2020: “I’m in Love”
“Abule”
2023: “Abobi”
Awards
2013 – Best Reggae/Dancehall Video by Nigerian Music Video Awards
2014 – Next Rated, The Headies Awards
2014 – Best Reggae/Dancehall, Ben TV Awards
2014 – Best New Act, Ben TV Awards
2014 – Best Collaboration, Ben TV Awards
2014 – Most Gifted Newcomer, Channel O Music Awards
2014 – Best Collabo “Emergency”, The Headies Awards
2014 – Male Artist of the Year, Nigeria Entertainment Awards
2014 – Best New Act of the Year, Nigeria Entertainment Awards
2014 – Dancehall Reggae Act of the Year, City People Entertainment Awards
2014 – Most Popular Song of the Year, City People Entertainment Awards
2014 – Best Collabo in Girlie O Remix ft Tiwa Savage, The Headies Awards
2015 – Best Pop Song, The Headies Awards
2015 – Best Reggae Dancehall Single, The Headies Awards
2015 – Best Dancehall Artiste, AFRIMA
2015 – Best New Act, MTV Africa Music Awards
2015 – Best Afropop Song, TooXclusive Online Music Awards
2015 – African Artiste of the Year, Vodafone Ghana Music Awards
2016 – Best Dancehall Artist, AFRIMA
2021 – Most Played Street Hop Song, Net Honours
Age
Currently, he is 33 years of age. He was born on 27 May 1990.
Social Media
Follow Patoranking on all his social media platforms:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Net Worth
Patoranking is estimated to have a net worth of $5 million.
