Nigerian Afro-dancehall superstar Patoranking has set out to transform the lives of one million young people by 2035, despite his chart-topping tunes being what fans around the world know him for.
Born Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, Patoranking became one of Nigeria’s most successful and diverse musicians after escaping the slums of Ebute Metta, Lagos.
He has enthralled audiences all around the world by fusing dancehall, reggae, and afrobeat. Beyond his musical abilities, though, Patoranking is trying to help young Africans.
He told CNN, “I’ve always had an idea of what my family and community should look like.”
“I knew I had to take charge, not only for myself but also for people around me, because I came from a place where my chances of succeeding were slim.”
Growing up in a slum, Patoranking was exposed to hard realities from a young age. Being a “petty trader,” his father had financial difficulties.
Since a college education looked unattainable, Patoranking resorted to his innate talent for music. “The ghetto sounds of Tuface, Baba Fryo, and Daddy Showkey had an influence on me.
He remembered, “I wanted to be the voice of the voiceless, and music was a way to express the struggles of my people.”
In 2013, he made his breakthrough after being mentored by Nigerian musician Timaya, who worked with him on the popular song “Alubarika” and released it on Timaya’s label.
The next year, Patoranking won multiple awards and a place on MTV Base’s Official Naija Top 10 chart with his single “Girlie O.”
Despite his quick ascent, Patoranking never forgot where he came from. His Patoranking Foundation was established in 2018 to assist one million young people through programmes centred on community development, education, and sports.
“Being a football player was one of my childhood dreams. I want to create opportunities for others because I was unable to accomplish that myself.”
Building sports facilities in underprivileged areas is part of Patoranking’s aim to give young people a safe place to play, learn, and connect. The first was in his childhood neighbourhood of Ebute Metta, which has a history of gang violence.
He declared, “With God’s grace, we have been able to construct something that brings our people together, and this is a true sports centre.”
By constructing 100 such facilities around Africa over the course of the following five years, Patoranking hopes to provide safe havens for young people living in underprivileged areas and slums. His foundation also funds vocational training and education.
“I see philanthropy as a personal endeavour. Before I became Patoranking, I prayed to God and said, ‘I want to change lives if you put me in a position where I can make money,’” he stated.
The singer built community soccer fields because he wanted to play professional football, but his greatest charitable contribution was motivated by his love of technology and the difficulties he had paying for his studies.
