Patoranking: Wooing girls was among reasons I started music

Patoranking, the Nigerian singer, says getting the ladies’ attention was among the main reasons he started music.

The musician was reflecting on his early days as a singer and dancer in a chat with BBC Igbo.

Patoranking, born Patrick Okorie, said girls used to flock around boys who could sing during his school days.

He also said he had to get involved in something that had to do with music for this reason before things picked up.

“Many of the things I learned about music and entertainment generally, I learned in the ghetto,” the singer said.

“Before I started singing, I used to dance. One of the main reasons I started singing was that I liked to get the girls back then in school. Then, if you couldn’t sing, nothing for you.

“I just had to get involved in something that had to do with singing. And I loved music.”

Asked to speak on his opinions about fandom and toxic rivalry among artistes, Patoranking said it’s all entertainment.

“What we see in the industry, where A is pitted against B, is a normal thing. It’s meant to be that way. The question is whether you’re entertained and happy,” the singer added.

“Fans of A and fans of B, if you look closely, you’d see they’re the fans of everyone. It’s part of the business.

“I don’t think there’s anything I regret. The biggest thing I want to achieve in life is to add value to the lives of over 100,000 of Nigeria’s 200 million people. That would make me happy.

“It’d be my biggest achievement to see that people are living well.”