Entertainment of Sunday, 12 April 2015

Source: Ghana | Hitz FM | Euphemia Akpalu

Patoranking compares Nigeria and Ghana Music Industry

Nigerian reggae and dancehall artiste Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, better known by his stage name Patoranking, says the Nigerian music industry lacks a proper structure but involves a lot a money.

Comparing the Nigerian music industry to that of other countries on the continent, including Ghana, in an interview on Joy News’ Let’s talk Entertainment, the musician said there is a lot of investment in the Nigerian industry.

According to Patoranking, “you can’t compare the Nigerian music industry to South Africa’s music industry because South Africa’s is more structured but Nigeria, more money is involved, but it lacks structures.”

Although he could not define the Ghanaian music industry as compared to South Africa and Nigeria, he said the country’s are “quite different.”

He believes that it does not really matter how things are done in the various industries. To him, what matters is that the public is able to get the right vibe from the artistes from the different industries.

The ‘Girlie O’ hitmaker, also speaking on how he is handling his fame, said, “Before the name there was fame. I was fortunate to see this side of life even without the name, like going around with celebrities and top acts and it made me understand that life is very simple. People love me more than my music and it’s by the grace of God and I don’t intend to try to ride on my fame over my fans and supporters because they made me.”

Patoranking, who has been nominated for the African Artiste of the Year category alongside Tiwa Savage, Don Jazzy, Yemi Alade and Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz at the 16th edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs), said he has always looked up to the VGMAs and is excited to be associated with the awards.

“This is my first major show in Ghana and this tells that it’s a big one for me; it’s a big stage and I’m so happy to be part [of it all],” he concluded.