‘Available’ crooner Patoranking hosted an exclusive listening party in Nairobi this past weekend (1/06/2019).
Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, better known by his stage name Patoranking was visiting the Kenyan capital as a headliner for the Choma na Ngoma Festival which took place at the KICC on Friday night 31/05/2019. The international reggae-dancehall artist performed infront of hundreds of fans, and went on to host a private listening party for his latest album dubbed ‘Wilmer’ at Nairobi’s Kiza Club.
Local artists turned out in droves to support the Naija act who was in town only afew days after his birthday on 27th May. Some of the big names to attend the elite event include Nyashinski, Fena Gitu, P-Unit’s Frasha, Bien from Sauti Sol, Naiboi, Kagwe Mungai, DJ Poizon Ivy, Ivlyn Mutua and Yvionnia. Other media personalities also in attendance include Radio host Talia Nyando, Uganda Commedian Ann Kansiime, funnyman Chipukeezy and internet sensation Seth Gor.
‘Wilmer’ which dropped on May 24th 2019 comprises of 12 tracks including a moving collaboration with Kenyan award winner Nyashinski on the track ‘Nakupenda.’ The so-called Nigerian prince also featured Davido, Busiswa, Bera and Donea’o.
Speaking about the album, Patoranking pointed out that his artist collaboration choices were indeed very deliberate. Working with Nyashinski from Kenya, Busiswa from South Africa and his fellow Nigerian Davido; the album is representative of the continents collective sound. He said, “I am trying to unite the continent with my music. I want to be seen as a music icon, not just a Nigerian artist.”
29-year-old Patrick grew to fame after the release of his track ‘My Woman’ in 2015. ‘Wilmer’ is Patoranking’s second album after find great success with ‘God Over Everything’, which was released on 1st August 2016. The critically acclaimed album debuted at number 4 on Billboard’s Reggae album charts. Since then he has won several awards including most recently the AFRIMMA award for best Dancehall artist in 2016.
