Patoranking
Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, widely known as Patoranking, is a multiple award-winning musician from Lagos, Nigeria. A visionary in the African music industry and a cultural ambassador for Afrobeats, Patoranking blends Afrobeats, Reggae and Dancehall to create a unique sound that resonates globally.
Patoranking's career achieved prominence when he released his hit single "My Woman My Everything" in 2016, which played a pivotal role in the global recognition of Afrobeats. With a series of successful releases under his label Amari Musiq including tracks such as "Babylon" "Abule" and "Kolo Kolo” and collaborations with world-renowned artists such as Bob Marley, Bryson Tiller, Major Lazer, Wizkid, Davido and many more, his music has collectively amassed nearly a billion streams on YouTube alone, earning him accolades such as an MTV Africa Music Awards Best Song of the Year win and recognition in Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 class of 2020. Patoranking has also been featured in publications such as Vogue, Billboard, Rolling Stone, and CNN and served as a judge on the popular TV show "The Voice Nigeria.”
His discography includes his 2023 album “WORLD BEST” which features artists such as Ludacris, Popcaan, Diamond Platnumz and more, 2020’s “Three” which won Best Reggae/Dancehall album at Nigerian music awards The Headies, his 2019 sophomore album “Wilmer” which hit No. 5 on Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart, and 2016’s "God Over Everything," which debuted at No. 4.
Patoranking has a touring history that spans over 50 countries, captivating fans with his music that spreads positivity and hope. He has performed at iconic venues such as the O2 Arena in London, Brooklyn’s Barclays Center where he opened for the legendary Ms. Lauryn Hill during her 20th Anniversary tour of "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival in Qatar, and most recently The Apollo Theater in New York, where he headlined.
Patoranking's influence in the music industry is undeniable, yet his impact reaches far beyond entertainment. While Africa has traditionally been viewed through a lens of need, Patoranking sees it as a land of immense potential - a continent brimming with multitalented youth and rising stars who, with the right support, can flourish and succeed. Given the opportunity to showcase his talent, Patoranking has thrived and become a testament to what can be achieved with the
right support. Talent is abundant across Africa; what's often missing are the opportunities to nurture and elevate it. The Patoranking Foundation was born to bridge this gap. His mission is to empower one million young African talents over the next decade, helping them transform their potential into success through education and entrepreneurship while inspiring progress within their communities. So far, the foundation has directly impacted over 5000 young people across the continent, providing 253 scholarships across primary, secondary and university levels, including the recent tech scholarships and a new community football turf in Lagos.
In 2024, Patoranking was named the UNDP Goodwill Ambassador for Africa, focusing on youth innovation, enterprise and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also achieved a monumental milestone by completing the Harvard Business of Entertainment, Media and Sports programme, further solidifying his expertise and influence in the industry.