Ace dancehall artiste, Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, popularly known by his stage name, Patoranking has recalled hawking on the streets of Lagos before hitting stardom.
He revealed that while growing up, he used to hawk together with his father along Kings Way road to make ends meet, and passing through the same place makes him emotional.
Patoranking stated this on Tuesday while accepting his appointment as UNDP Goodwill Africa Ambassador for Youth Innovation, Enterprise and the SDGs at the launch of the Timbuktoo Fintech Hub in Lagos by the United Nations Development Programme.
The ‘Alubarika’ hit-maker, who grew up in Ebute Metta went on to urge the youths to harness their talents in developing their communities and Africa at large.
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. 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]”.
The father of one also advocated for a borderless Africa, something he promotes by actively working with artistes from different parts of the continent.
He added; “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.”
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