Award-winning Nigerian musician Patoranking has released “African Soldier,” a powerful roots reggae collaboration featuring GRAMMY-winning dancehall legend Buju Banton. Serving as the second single from Patoranking’s forthcoming fifth studio album, the track celebrates African pride, unity, and the global rise of Black excellence.
Produced by renowned Jamaican producer Jazzwad, who previously worked with Bounty Killer, Popcaan, and Damian Marley, the song emphasizes live musicianship. Drums, bass, keys, guitar, and a full horn section were recorded with live session players from Jamaica, giving the track its warm, authentic reggae sound. GRAMMY-winning audio engineer Bonzai (Mariah Carey, Nas, Chronixx) handled the mix, ensuring the track’s sonic precision matches its powerful message.
The accompanying music video, shot in New York and directed by Nigerian filmmaker UAX (Tyla, Rema, Tems), visually amplifies the themes of African pride, liberation, and unity, bringing the song’s message to life for audiences worldwide.
Speaking about the track, Patoranking explained, “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… ‘African Soldier’ is just that intentionally curated root reggae song that serves as a reminder of who we are. The power we possess as Africans and black people all across the globe. And having the legendary Buju Banton… to be a part of this record just complements the entire message this song seeks to convey.”
The collaboration reconnects Patoranking with the reggae and dancehall sounds that shaped his musical journey while reaffirming the fusion of Afrobeat with Caribbean rhythms that has defined his career. With Buju Banton lending his legendary voice to the song, “African Soldier” stands as both a celebration of cultural heritage and a rallying call for African liberation, unity, and global Black excellence. Fans can stream and download the single now, while anticipation builds for Patoranking’s fifth studio album.
