Reggae dancehall singer Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, popularly known as Patoranking, shared an inspiring story of his journey from poverty to stardom, urging youth to leverage their talents to uplift their communities and Africa as a whole.

Speaking at the launch of the Timbuktoo Fintech Hub in Lagos, where he was unveiled as the UNDP Goodwill Africa Ambassador for Youth Innovation, Enterprise, and the SDGs, Patoranking recalled his humble beginnings in the Ebute Metta urban slum in Lagos.

He spoke of hawking on the streets with his father to make ends meet, yet remaining 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.”