Prominent dancehall artist, Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, also known as Patoranking [/b], has opened up about his early days selling goods on the streets of Lagos [/b]with his father. Despite growing up in the Ebute Metta slum, he persevered through adversity and eventually achieved his dreams.
Patoranking reflected on his journey while accepting his appointment as the UNDP Goodwill Ambassador for Youth Innovation, Enterprise, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.
He expressed:
“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. Many years after, 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 teary moment for me because I saw myself [on this road].”
He also encouraged young people to harness their talents for the betterment of their communities and the entire African continent.
Patoranking further stated:
“That is why I have songs with artistes from Uganda, Kenya, Ghana and so on. I accept to be the UNDP Goodwill Africa Ambassador for Youth Innovation, Enterprise and the SDGs. Today I am not just an artiste, I am a voice for many African youths who desire to make Africa work for themselves and their communities.”