While fans worldwide know him for his chart-topping hits, behind the scenes, Nigerian Afro-dancehall artist Patoranking has set out to change the lives of one million young people by 2035. <\/p>\n
Born Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, Patoranking rose from the slums of Ebute Metta, Lagos, to become one of Nigeria\u2019s most versatile and successful musicians. Blending reggae, dancehall and Afrobeats, he has captivated audiences globally. However, beyond his musical talents, Patoranking is working to uplift African youth. <\/p>\n
\u201cComing from a place where the chances of making it were slim, I knew I had to step up \u2014 not just for myself but for those around me.\u201d <\/p>\n
Growing up in a slum, Patoranking faced harsh realities early on. His father, a \u201cpetty trader,\u201d struggled to make ends meet. Higher education seemed out of reach, so instead, Patoranking turned to his natural gift \u2014 music. \u201cI was influenced by the ghetto sounds of Daddy Showkey, Baba Fryo, and Tuface. Music was a way to express the struggles of my people, and I wanted to be the voice of the voiceless,\u201d he recalled. <\/p>\n
His breakthrough came in 2013 when Nigerian singer Timaya took him under his wing collaborating on and releasing the hit track \u201cAlubarika\u201d on Timaya\u2019s record label. <\/p>\n
The following year, Patoranking\u2019s song \u201cGirlie O\u201d earned him a spot on MTV Base\u2019s Official Naija Top 10 chart, as well as numerous awards. <\/p>\n
Despite his meteoric rise, Patoranking never lost sight of his roots. In 2018, he launched the Patoranking Foundation, which aims to help one million youth with initiatives focused on education, sports and community development. \u201cOne of the dreams I had growing up was to be a footballer,\u201d he said. \u201cSince I couldn\u2019t achieve that, I want to create opportunities for others.\u201d <\/p>\n
As part of this vision, Patoranking is building sports facilities in underserved communities, providing safe spaces for young people to play, learn and connect. The first was in his hometown, Ebute Metta, an area historically plagued by gang clashes. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a genuine sports center, and by the grace of God, we\u2019ve been able to build something that unifies our people,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Over the next five years, Patoranking plans to build 100 such facilities across Africa, creating safe havens for young people in slums and marginalized communities. His foundation also supports education and vocational training. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, philanthropy is personal. Before I became Patoranking, I prayed to God, saying, \u2018If you put me in a position to make money, I want to touch lives,\u2019\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
While the singer\u2019s initial aspirations to become a professional footballer led him to build community soccer fields, it was his passion for technology and the financial barriers he faced in pursuing an education that drove him to make his biggest philanthropic investment. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always wanted to become an information technologist, but my parents were not financially able to send me to university,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
He launched the Sky Level Initiative to provide access to advanced technology training and education for 170 children in Ebonyi State in southeastern Nigeria. In partnership with the African Leadership University (ALU), one of the continent\u2019s leading tech and skills training institutions, in 2020 Patoranking launched a scholarship to help young people further their careers in tech and entrepreneurship. <\/p>\n
Fred Swaniker, founder of the ALU, said the scholarship \u201cCreates tremendous opportunities, because young people tend to be more creative, more entrepreneurial, hungry, and passionate. I believe that many of the world\u2019s problems will be solved by harnessing the power of African youth.\u201d <\/p>\n
Last year, Patoranking was appointed UN Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador for Africa, tasked with championing youth innovation and enterprise development. As he continues to break boundaries in the music industry and beyond, he remains optimistic about the future of the next generation. <\/p>\n
\u201cAnything they want to achieve is achievable,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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