'I Would Have Been A Criminal If Not For Music' , Patoranking Reveals.

Reggae/dancehall act, Patoranking shocked many on Wednesday when he revealed during a media parley organized by MTV Base, that he would have been a criminal but for music.

According to him, music saved him from becoming a criminal, "The slum is not a place that gives many options. There, it was either you make it the right way or the crime way but I chose music and it has worked for me," he said.

He also expressed his appreciation to MTV Base for making him the Artiste of the Month and for helping him secure the partnership deal with international reggae music label, VP Records which he describes as one of the high points of his musical career, "As many of you know, VP Records is one of the biggest record labels in New York so being signed under that label is a big deal for me which is why I am grateful to MTV Base."

As regards his debut album, he disclosed that plans are in place to ensure an album release later this year and also wishes to feature International reggae artistes like Beenie man and Sean Paul, "There are plans for the album to be released soon. Hopefully, later in the year."
Head of Marketing and communications, VIMN Africa, Colette Otusheso added that the reason behind the parley is to create an avenue for journalists to meet with and get to understand music artistes better, "With MTV Base Artiste of the Month, we provide a platform for some of our favourite artistes to get up, close and personal with fans and the media and this month we are excited about the talented reggae musician, Patoranking being our artiste of the month."

The 25-year-old act rose to limelight in 2013 following his hit single with Timaya, Alubarika. He has since gone ahead to release other popular tracks including Girlie O featuring Tiwa Savage, which was listed on the MTV Base Official Naija Top Ten Hottest Videos Of The Year. The artiste also featured in Seyi Shay's hit song Murda.