Patoranking has firmly established his artistry as one of the defining pillars of contemporary Afrobeats. He has more than earned his stripes, with his adoption of the ‘80s and early ‘90s Galala sound laying the foundation for his breakout in the mid-2010s and sustaining a legacy that remains vibrant over a decade later. In his latest single, “No Jonze,” a track that once again draws inspiration from the Galala sound and Afro-dancehall sensibilities he has immersed himself in over the years, the award-winning Nigerian artist opens yet another chapter in his already richly inked career.

Four albums in, with a catalogue that’s helped stretch Afrobeats’ boundaries, “No Jonze” sees Patoranking render a street-rooted, festival-ready sound that toasts to hustle, focus, and the urgency of the moment — pretty much what the Nigerian slang embodies. “I am bringing back the raw street feel I grew up on in the 90s in Lagos. It’s important for people to hear and feel that again,” Patoranking tells BSide a few days after the track’s release. “But beyond the sound, “No Jonze” is a reminder. It’s me telling people not to get caught slipping, to stay sharp and stay focused. Life will test you, but you have to keep your head up and keep moving.”

The track finds Patoranking in a distinct place: with nothing to prove but so much still to give to an industry that could use a jolt out of the formulaic patterns it has sunk into. He knows this all too well, which is why he is approaching this phase with clear intent and a resolute drive. “It is a big part of where I am heading, but this phase is bigger than one single,” he said. “I have been in this game for over ten years, and now, as I work on my fifth album, I am in a different space creatively and personally. I am making music with a different kind of intention, tapping back into the ’90s spirit that shaped me, but still moving with today’s sound. So, “No Jonze” sets the tone, yes, but this phase is about more than the music. It’s about what I stand for, what I am building, and the purpose behind it all.”

Purpose isn’t a one-size-fits-all pursuit. For some, it revolves mainly around the music; for others, it stretches beyond it. Patoranking belongs to the latter. Born and raised in Ebute Metta, a suburb of Lagos’ mainland, he knows and has experienced firsthand the challenges along the journey to the privileged position he now occupies. That experience has shaped his commitment to helping the next generation gain access to the education, mentorship, and support they need to reach their full potential through the Patoranking Foundation, which has so far impacted over 5,000 youths. Since June 2024, his appointment as the United Nations Development Programme’s Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Africa has also seen him champion youth innovation and enterprise development across the continent.

Talking about his philanthropic and developmental work and how it appeared to have momentarily slowed his musical output, he explained, “I would not say I took a break on purpose. I was still recording, but also working through my foundation and with the UNDP — travelling, connecting. It gave me time to think about how I want to approach this new decade, this new phase of my life. So from the music side, it may have looked quiet, but I was growing in different ways. I faced personal losses that took a toll, but instead of it stopping me, I poured all those emotions into the music. And that’s why this moment feels right.”

In the accompanying music video, Patoranking returns to Ajegunle alongside Galala greats like Marvellous Benjy and Allen B. Directed by Director K, the video is enlivened with ’90s-inspired retro styling and vintage props, all reminiscent of a bygone era. It also features a vivid mural that pays tribute to legends such as African China, Danfo Drivers, and Daddy Showkey, pioneers of the sound and culture. “It felt like a full-circle moment, linking up with the people I grew up watching and admiring,’’ the singer recalled. “ For some reason, it began raining during the off-season in Lagos. But that did not stop us. In fact, we moved the single’s release date just to make sure we could shoot there.”

Every element of the track hints at the sound and direction of his forthcoming fifth studio album. Though keeping details close, he reveals the project is “is near completion” and promises “intentional collaborations and a few surprises.” He says, “It’s a masterpiece of musical excellence,  a project that shows you where I’m coming from and where I’m going.”