Reggae dancehall singer, Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, aka Patoranking has opened up on how he suffered when he was much younger and the way he escaped poverty.
The singer who spoke at the launch of the Timbuktoo Fintech Hub in Lagos, advised young people to leverage their talents to uplift their communities and Africa as a whole.
Patoranking, at the event, was unveiled as the UNDP Goodwill Africa Ambassador for Youth Innovation, Enterprise, and the SDGs.
The popular singer recalled his humble beginnings in the Ebute Metta urban slum in Lagos, speaking of how he and his father hawked on the streets.
He noted that he, however, remained focused on his goals despite the challenges.
The Afrobeat artist, who has collaborated with musicians from Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, and beyond, highlighted the importance of harnessing talents to drive positive change.
He 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. 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 teary moment for me because I saw myself [on this road].
“That is why I have songs with artists 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 artist, I am a voice for many African youths who desire to make Africa work for themselves and their communities.”
