Patoranking’s first successful shot at music came when Afro-Pop became the genre du jour. The chances that an artist with Rastafarian lyrics and Dancehall inspired instrumentals would survive in an industry with individuals like Davido, Wizkid and Tekno were probably slim to none, coupled with how his predecessors like Daddy Showkey fizzled out. With singles like Girlie O and Alubarika, it seemed like he had two options, adapt and climb up the ladder to fame or humbly bow out. None of these options went with Patoranking’s plan. So far, he has exceeded our expectations with a good number of hit singles that don’t pander to popular demands in this part of the world and cultivated a base outside the shores of the country. He tops those this month with the release of his second studio album, Wilmer.
On the project which Patoranking claims to have put his heart and soul into, he proves the extent of his versatility by curating and delivering an array of sounds drawn from various cultures. While it’s not entirely what a good number of his listeners expected, it certainly reveals Patoranking in his element, one which he’s been gradually showcasing since the release of his version of Heal The World.
With assistance from artists handpicked from a range of countries with a promise of strong cultural influences on the project, the project is a compilation of 12 eclectic tracks projecting what we imagine is the blueprint of Patoranking’s emotions.
Titular, Wilmer featuring Georgian Singer-Songwriter Bera whose performance is as mind-blowing as expected, introduces the album. It’s followed by the reggae powered Feelings on which Patoranking touches base with his romantic side. After which he switches over to pure Dancehall on Temperature, a stark reminder of Sean Pauls’ and then the Nyashinski assisted Nakupenda. The Afrobeat led Lenge Lenge takes the seventh spot, an appropriate number for the classic Afrobeat number. Donae’o and Busiswa’s Pop and Zulu assisted offerings contributes to the Album’s versatility. Wilmer closes with the Davido assisted Confirm, a worthy curtain call to a vast display of talent and culture.
In comparison to the subdued personalities of his very few Dancehall colleagues in the industry, Patorankings’ more brazen and showy, features that are prominent in his perfect command of the lingo and the very bold performances he executes from start to finish of the Album. If God Over Everything, his debut was not enough evidence of an incomparable, Wilmer definitely does the job.