Patoranking

Nigerian dancehall singer Patoranking, who started out as a street performer before rising to national stardom, is known for his music’s signature African fuji rhythms and strong social messages. ∙ He broke through in 2014 when Nigerian singer Timaya appeared on his bouncy reggae anthem “Alubarika,” the story of the former carnival dancer’s rise from “nothing to something.” ∙ He has regularly addressed urgent social issues on such tracks as 2014’s “Girlie O,” featuring award-winning singer Tiwa Savage, and 2016’s “No Kissing Baby,” with Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie. ∙ Patoranking’s 2019 album, Wilmer, dedicated to his first child, debuted at No. 5 on the global Billboard Reggae Albums chart.