Award-winning musician Patoranking has launched his 2026 campaign with the release of African Soldier, a powerful roots reggae single featuring Grammy-winning dancehall icon Buju Banton.
The song serves as the second single from Patoranking’s forthcoming fifth studio album and delivers a strong message centred on African pride, unity and the liberation of Black people across the world.
With African Soldier, Patoranking reconnects with the reggae and dancehall influences that shaped his musical journey while reinforcing the blend of Afrobeats and Afro-dancehall that has defined his career.
The track was produced by Jamaican hitmaker Jazzwad, known for his work with artists such as Bounty Killer, Popcaan and Damian Marley. The production features live instrumentation, including drums, bass, keyboards, guitar and a full horn section recorded with session musicians in Jamaica, creating a rich and authentic reggae sound.
The final mix was handled by Grammy-winning audio engineer Bonzai, whose credits include work with Mariah Carey, Nas and Chronixx.
A music video accompanying the release was shot in New York City and directed by Nigerian filmmaker UAX, who’s also known for working with artists such as Tyla, Rema and Tems. The visuals expand on the song’s themes of African pride, unity and global Black excellence.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the track, Patoranking said the song reflects a deliberate return to the sounds that shaped his early musical identity.
“While working on my album, the goal for me was to go back to the music that inspired me. The sounds I grew up on, and reggae has been that core for me. My breakthrough single Alubarika was a good reference to this fact, as was my last release No Jonze,” he explained.
He added that reggae and dancehall have always been central to his creative expression: “Throughout my journey as an artist, reggae and dancehall blended with Afrobeats have been my primary sound. So African Soldier is just that intentionally curated roots reggae song that serves as a reminder of who we are and the power we possess as Africans and Black people all across the globe.”
Patoranking also highlighted the significance of collaborating with Buju Banton on the record.
“Having the legendary Buju Banton, who over the years has been a great voice when it comes to matters concerning Africa’s liberation, growth and unity on the continent, to be a part of this record complements the entire message this song seeks to convey,” he said.
Born and raised in Lagos, Patoranking has become one of the most recognisable voices in Afro-dancehall. Since his breakout single ‘Alubarika’, he has built a global audience with hit songs such as ‘My Woman My Everything’ and ‘Babylon’, as well as collaborations with international acts including Major Lazer, Popcaan and Bryson Tiller.
His catalogue has amassed more than two billion streams worldwide, with successful projects ranging from his 2016 debut album God Over Everything to his 2023 album World Best. Over the years he has also performed in more than 50 countries, appearing on stages such as The O2 Arena and the Barclays Center.
Beyond music, Patoranking is also known for his philanthropic work through the Patoranking Foundation, which supports education and youth development initiatives. He also serves as regional goodwill ambassador for Africa with the United Nations Development Programme, promoting youth innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development across the continent.
With African Soldier, Patoranking continues to blend music and message, using reggae’s enduring spirit to celebrate African identity and encourage unity among Black communities around the world.
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