EXCLUSIVE: I got my name from a Jamaican man- Nigerian star Patoranking opens up about his music career

Nigerian reggae and dancehall artiste Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, aka Patoranking, was in the country to lead Kenyans in usher in the New Year. He tells it all to CAROLINE NYANGA.

Tell us about your latest project? 

P: I am working on a number of singles that will cut across my fan base across Africa and at international level.

Why the name Patoranking?

P: It was given to me by a certain Jamaican artist in Nigerian whom I met along the beach. At the time I was known as Patoranko. Owing to my vibe which he loved very much he coined me the name ranking - a Jamaica word meaning highly respected.

What is the worst thing about you said in the media?

P: Claims that I ditched Dem Mama Records.  Truth is I didn’t leave. Timaya is like a father, mentor, boss and family to me.

We still speak almost on a daily basis. What happened was that I got signed to an international outfit which is Foston Musik from South Africa and everything went accordingly.

How would you compare Nigerian and Kenyan music industry?

P: Nigerian music industry lacks a proper structure but involves a lot of money hence it cannot be compared to that of other countries. I believe that it does not really matter how things are done in the various industries. The fact that the public is able to get the right vibe from the artistes from the different industries is what counts.

How was life before music?

P: I grew up in the ghetto where poverty was the order of the day. I wanted to go to school to study Information Technology but I had no opportunity to do that. Instead I pursued music. Life in the ghetto offers you few options - it’s either I did music or I would have been a criminal. Being the first child, I needed to change the face of my family. So I did a lot of hustling. Rat killer was one of the few things I hawked on the streets of Lagos while I pursued my dream of making music.

You started out as a dancer?

Aside from playing football I used to dance for Daddy Showkey before becoming a dancehall act. But despite this singing was a big part of me ever since I was in school.

Do you plan on pursuing your dream of studying IT?

P: Yes definitely, I am working towards that. It’s not going to be easy though, I am just going to try and find a way around it all. I am trying to create a balance and then go back to school.

Why reggae  dancehall?

P: One of the major reasons I choose reggae was to fight my shyness in getting the girls. I remember back then in secondary school, if you didn’t know how to mime songs, you are not going to get the girls and I liked standing out.

You have always wanted to be the next Bob Marley?

P: Yes, I am getting closer to the dream every day. Although my career is relatively young there are signs that we will make it big   by God’s grace. We are doing everything possible to make that dream a reality.

What inspires your songs?

P: It comes from above and ladies too.

Your controversial dance of your singers twerking for you on stage?

P: On the contrary Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay do not twerk but only try to perfect their acts on stage like it is done in the western world.

So are you rich?

P: Well I am happy right now. The most important thing is that so many things have changed. My family is happy and everybody around me is happy and that is what counts for me.

Have you moved your family away from the slums?

P: Yes, I have moved them away from Ilaje Ebute Metta precisely where we lived for so many years.

What would you like to give back to the Ilaje community where you started?

P: I would like to give them virtually everything within my own power. In 2014, I went to a school there and slaughtered two cows. I also have on -going projects going like building schools, a health centre football turf.

 

What kind of memory brings you close to tears when you think about it?

P: I remember the first time I gained admission into a secondary school, I was nine years old and Citizen Comprehensive College in 1999 and it was quite expensive for my folks. That was the first time I was seeing my Dad in tears. Secondly was when I told them I gained admission to the university and they told me that I had to wait for the training of my younger ones.

Did your parents oppose your music career initially?

They were scared. I remember my mum was always crying, saying that I wanted to use my music to kill her in Lagos. She wanted me to go to school by all means and was scared that my love for music was distracting me from that dream.

People that supported you?

P: They are quite a number with God taking the first credit.

Which artists you would like to work with?  

P: In Africa it would be Fakoli, Davido and Wizkid while internationally Busy Signal and Mavado.

Your albums?

P: They are Alubarika, Girlie "O", Tonite, Girlie "O" Rmx, Bora (Freestyle) , Friends, Happy Day, Daniella Whine and My Woman, My Everything.

At a point, you begun dressing like a school boy. Is that your own fashion sense?

P: I had a school boy outfit while I was performing. I can tie wrapper and perform on stage. It’s all about the art. It is just a stage thing and not necessarily what I call my fashion sense.

Describe your style?

P: The Whayasay trend- a style that is unplanned. You just wake up, two hours to your meeting and dress anyhow you feel like.

Future plans?

I intend to set up a record label in future. That is also how I want to give back to society.

Are you in a relationship?

I am single and ready to mingle. Right now, I am just concerned about my career and family. Marriage is not in the question for me. I don’t have a girlfriend. I am not a promiscuous fellow and if I ever need to blow off steam, I would rather make use of soap in the bathroom than be with random girls. (Oh dear, don’t you just love his openness?).  

 About your assumed love child?

I don’t have a son; the boy people think is my son is my baby brother.