Nigerian reggae-dancehall artist Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, popularly known as Patoranking, has reached a significant milestone in his career by graduating from Harvard Business School. Announcing his achievement via Instagram on June 2, Patoranking expressed gratitude to his mentor, Professor Anita Elberse, a renowned expert in the business of entertainment, media, and sports.
Patoranking completed the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports course, known for its rigorous curriculum designed to equip industry professionals with advanced business skills. This achievement underscores Patoranking’s commitment to expanding his knowledge and skills, not only in music but also in the broader entertainment industry.
In his Instagram post, Patoranking shared a photo of himself proudly holding his certificate on the Harvard campus. He captioned it, “Welcome the new @harvardhbs Alumnus God runs this Show…Thank You @anitaelberse.” The post was met with an outpouring of congratulatory messages from fans and fellow celebrities, celebrating his dedication and hard work.
Patoranking’s journey to Harvard is a testament to his resilience and ambition. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, he moved to Ghana in 2007 to further his education at the University of Cape Coast. However, financial constraints forced him to drop out. Undeterred, he returned to Nigeria and pursued his passion for music, eventually signing with Black Rhythmz Entertainment and gaining popularity with hits like “Alubarika” and “Girlie ‘O” remix featuring Tiwa Savage.
Since then, Patoranking has released three studio albums, with his debut album “God Over Everything” in 2016 marking his rise to fame. His music, characterized by a blend of reggae, dancehall, and afrobeats, has earned him numerous awards, including the Soundcity MVP Awards and the Headies.
Beyond music, Patoranking has shown a deep commitment to social causes. His foundation, the Patoranking Foundation, recently partnered with ALX Africa to launch a $500,000 tech scholarship for young Africans. This initiative aims to provide full funding for selected candidates to pursue studies in data analytics, cloud computing, and Salesforce administration, along with paid internships at leading tech companies.
Reflecting on his academic and professional journey, Patoranking’s graduation from Harvard is not just a personal achievement but also an inspiration to many aspiring artists and young Africans. It demonstrates that with perseverance, it is possible to overcome challenges and achieve one’s dreams, both academically and professionally.
As Patoranking joins the esteemed alumni network of Harvard Business School, the industry anticipates how he will leverage his new skills to further his career and continue contributing to the growth of the African entertainment industry. His journey exemplifies the blend of talent, education, and dedication needed to succeed in the modern entertainment landscape.
Congratulations to Patoranking on this remarkable achievement. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of continuous learning and the pursuit of excellence.
Kechi Okwuchi’s life story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Born in Nigeria, Okwuchi’s life took a tragic turn at the age of 16 when she survived a catastrophic plane crash. Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145, carrying 109 passengers from Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport, crashed and burst into flames while attempting to land. Out of the 109 passengers, only Okwuchi and one other survived.
Okwuchi‘s injuries were severe, with third-degree burns covering 65% of her body. She was initially treated at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, and later transferred to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Galveston, Texas, where she underwent over 100 surgeries, including painful skin grafts. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Okwuchi’s spirit remained unbroken.
Music became a vital part of Okwuchi’s recovery. As she lay bandaged in her hospital bed, music offered an escape and a source of comfort. This profound connection to music, which was nurtured by her family’s musical inclinations, would later become a cornerstone of her public persona. Okwuchi’s voice, which she describes as having changed significantly after the accident, became her instrument of healing and inspiration.
In 2017, Okwuchi’s musical talents brought her to the global stage when she auditioned for season 12 of “America’s Got Talent.” Her soulful rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” earned her a standing ovation from the judges and the audience, including the notoriously tough Simon Cowell. Her performance was not just a display of vocal talent but a powerful narrative of survival and resilience. She advanced to the finals and continued to inspire millions with her story and her music. Read more about Kechi Okwuchi’s here.