Place of Birth: Ijegun-Egba, Lagos State, Nigeria (originally from Onicha, Ebonyi State)
Profession: Reggae-Dancehall Singer, Songwriter
Genres: Reggae, Dancehall, Afrobeat
Known For: Fusing Caribbean reggae/dancehall with African sounds.
π± Early Life
Grew up in a humble background in Ijegun-Egba Satellite Town, Lagos, with strong ties to his Igbo heritage from Ebonyi State.
Attended Citizen Comprehensive College, Epe, and later Jibril Martin Memorial Grammar School, Iponri, Lagos.
Began performing at local shows and street jams before breaking into mainstream music.
πΆ Music Career
π€ Early Steps
Started as a street performer and dancer.
Adopted the stage name βPatorankingβ, inspired by Jamaican culture and his childhood nickname.
First worked with underground acts before gaining recognition through features.
π Breakthrough (2013β2014)
Featured on βAlubarikaβ with Timaya in 2013, which became his big break.
Signed with Foston Musik and released βGirlie Oβ in 2014, which shot him into the spotlight.
The remix featuring Tiwa Savage cemented his status as a rising star.
π Career Highlights
Known for hit singles like:
βGirlie Oβ (2014)
βDaniella Whineβ (2015)
βMy Woman, My Everythingβ (2015) featuring Wande Coal
βNo Kissing Babyβ (2016) featuring Sarkodie
βAvailableβ (2017)
βSuh Differentβ (2018)
βAbuleβ (2020)
His 2020 hit βAbuleβ became a pan-African anthem, celebrating Lagos street culture.
πΏ Albums
God Over Everything (2016) β debut album.
Wilmer (2019) β named after his daughter, featuring African and international stars.
Three (2020) β further solidified his global reach.
π International Recognition
Performed at major global stages including One Africa Music Fest, Reggae Sumfest (Jamaica), and international festivals.
Collaborated with artists across Africa and beyond: Tiwa Savage, Diamond Platnumz, Sarkodie, Wizkid, Davido, and more.
Recognized as one of the artists pushing African reggae-dancehall to the world stage.
π Awards & Achievements
Headies Awards: Next Rated (2014) & multiple wins.
MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA).
Honored at several international music platforms.
Seen as a pioneer of Afro-Reggae/Dancehall fusion.
π Personal Life & Philanthropy
Father of a daughter named Wilmer, after whom he named his second album.
Active in philanthropy, especially in education and empowerment of Nigerian youths.
Runs scholarship programs and supports street kids β reflecting his own journey from the streets to global stages.
π¬ Famous Quote
βMy music is a reflection of where I come from, my struggles, and my dreams.β
β Conclusion
Patorankingβs rise from the streets of Lagos to international recognition shows the power of resilience, talent, and African creativity. He is more than a dancehall star β he is a voice for the streets, a cultural ambassador, and a role model for Nigerian youth.