Patoranking, a Nigerian reggae dancehall artist whose real name is Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, recently talked about his challenging path to stardom.
At an event where he was awarded the UNDP Goodwill Africa Ambassador for Youth Innovation, Enterprise, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Patoranking discussed his humble beginnings.
He said that he used to sell products on the streets of Lagos alongside his father to help make ends meet.

Patoranking grew up in Ebute Metta, a poor and difficult neighborhood in Lagos, where he experienced numerous obstacles.

Despite these difficulties, he remained committed to his objectives and eventually achieved success in his music career.

The artist spoke about these personal experiences during the opening of the Timbuktoo Fintech Hub in Lagos, which is an initiative of the United Nations Development Program that aims to promote technology and entrepreneurship in Africa.

Patoranking said, “I hawked on the streets of Lagos with my father. Many years ago, I used to sell on this street [Kings Way Road]. It used to be a very hot spot for trading.”

He added, “Many years later, everything that I pictured I wanted to become, the man I wanted to become, is who I am now. So when I was driving down to this place, it was a little bit of a of a teary moment for me because I saw myself [on this road].”