Nigerian reggae dancehall star, Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, widely known as Patoranking, reflected on his challenging journey to fame, recounting how he once hawked goods on the streets of Lagos.
He opened up about rough and tough times before gaining stardom while speaking during his acceptance as the UNDP Goodwill Africa Ambassador for Youth Innovation, Enterprise, and the SDGs at the Timbuktoo Fintech Hub launch in Lagos.
Patoranking emotionally recalled his humble beginnings in Ebute Metta where he grew up and went down memory lane recalling how he hawked on the streets of Lagos with his father to make ends meet.
Patoranking said despite the challenges he remained focused and defied all odds to achieve his goals.
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 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].”