BY RICHARD JOHNSON
Observer senior reporter
WORDS failed Nigerian dancehall star Patoranking as he tried to articulate his feelings on being part of Reggae Sumfest’s line-up this weekend at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay, St James.
“It’s beyond explanation,” he told Splash. “I can’t find the words to accurately express how I feel… it’s a dream come true for me, a really big deal. But first and foremost, this one will go down in the history books and this is something I will tell my kids — that I was the first African artist to perform on the Reggae Sumfest stage in Jamaica. I am so happy to be here in a country I have dreamed about so much, sharing in this vibrant culture and learning more about these beautiful people.”
The 27-year-old, whose given name is Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, is currently on his second trip to the island and is set to take to the Reggae Sumfest stage later tonight alongside the lines of Alkaline, Mavado, Bounty Killer, Dexta Daps, Spice, and Tommy Lee Sparta. A second concert is scheduled for tomorrow night.
In a telephone interview, Patoranking noted he eagerly anticipates his maiden performance for a predominantly Jamaican audience.
“Just look out for Africa live in my set. I truly want to represent my country and people in this performance. So I will be bring the energy from back home, and that along with my music will make my performance exciting,” he said.
His hit My Woman, My Everything, has truly earned him a legion of fans in Jamaica, with his recognizable dancehall flavor on top of a undeniable Afrobeat rhythm.
“I have always wanted to be the voice of the voiceless. So my music and lyrics must always say something for those who can’t speak for whatever reason. With My Woman, My Everything, I strongly believe there is someone… a taximan, a bus driver and conductor, who needs the words to express himself to the woman in his life, and this is the perfect track. I have to give big respect to Wande Coal who collaborated with me on that track and provided such a great hook. For Jamaicans to know and love my track is just another amazing thing for me. I grew up on reggae and dancehall music. I knew them before I knew about hip hop. I knew of Jamaica before so many other countries in the world. So for my music to be available to Jamaicans is just another moment for me.”
Patoranking admits to being a lover of all music forms, and when not performing he draws on different genres for inspiration. However, he has a wish list of acts from Jamaica with whom he would love to collaborate.
“There are so many Jamaicans who I would like to make music. I am a big fan of Chronixx and his music, so to make a song with him would be great. I also would love to record with Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Sizzla, as well as Alkaline,” Patoranking added.
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