- Source: World Best (album)
World Best (stylized in all caps) is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Patoranking. It was released on 6 September 2023, through Amari Musiq, and features guest appearances from Diamond Platnumz, Kizz Daniel, Beenie Man, Gyakie, Victony, Ludacris, Popcaan, and Zion Foster. Production was handled by Phantom, Blaq Jerzee, N2theA, Yung Willis, Killertunes, C-Tea, Dot Inc, Kel-P, Mix Master Garzy, Biggie Jazzy, DJ Breezy, and Joshua Moszi. It follows up to Three (2020).
Background
World Best was released after a three-year hiatus following Patoranking's third studio album, Three (2020). He began working on the album a year after completing Three, intending to create a sound that represents his artistic growth. Patoranking described World Best as a project that "brings the world into it," featuring collaborations with international artists such as Ludacris and Popcaan, along with African musicians like Kizz Daniel and Diamond Platnumz. The album's title, inspired by a nickname from his friends and fans, serves as an affirmation of his journey. Patoranking expressed a desire for listeners to see themselves as "world best" in their own fields, stating, "My musical journey hasn't always been an easy one, but still we rise."
Singles
World Best spawned four singles. The lead single off the album, "Kolo Kolo" features Diamond Platnumz and was released on 9 September 2022. The Yung Willis-produced single released alongside its music video which was filmed in Dar es Salaam by Dammy Twitch. The second single "Abobi" was released on 17 February 2023. It was produced by Kel-P and its accompanying music video was directed by Dammy Twitch. The song reflects on the senseless violence and social injustice in Nigeria, telling the tragic story of an innocent man caught in the crossfire, highlighting the cycle of violence and the community's suffering. The album's third single, "Tonight," featuring Jamaican artist Popcaan, was released on 13 July 2023. It is blends Afrobeats and dancehall and was produced by DJ Breezy, the song incorporates galala rhythms and features a carefree message of living in the moment. In the music video, directed by Charlie Sarsfield, Patoranking and Popcaan are seen enjoying a party in an English countryside mansion. The fourth and final single "Higher" was released on 16 August 2023, with an accompanying music video. The song was produced by Mix Master Garzy, and the music video, directed by Chris Chuky, features a church setting where Patoranking joins the congregation in a spiritual celebration of gratitude and resilience, reflecting a personal theme of thankfulness in his career. In a press statement, he expressed pride in his journey and encouraged listeners to "take delight in giving thanks for all God has done."
Critical reception
Pulse Nigeria's Adeayo Adebiyi's review described World Best as "sonically predictable," expressing the opinion that the album suffered from a lack of stylistic evolution. Adebiyi noted that while Patoranking's blend of dancehall and highlife had previously set him apart, the album's familiarity might feel subdued for long-time fans, even as new listeners might find enjoyment. He rated the album a 6.8/10, calling it a "Victory."
In Esther Kalu's review for the Premium Times, she described World Best as a "predictable" album that offers a familiar sound without much innovation, likening it to "a delicacy you probably eat every time and get too used to its taste." Despite this, she felt that some tracks and collaborations were still enjoyable, ultimately rating the album a 7/10.
Betty Godson's review for NotJustOk praises his fusion of dancehall and afrobeats, calling it a showcase of "dancehall fusion mastery" with impressive collaborations from artists like Ludacris, Beenie Man, and Popcaan. She highlights the excellent production, catchy melodies, and Patoranking's ability to craft earworm hooks, though notes that the album's sequencing could have been smoother. "Each song is a different experience that pursues a different story," she writes. Overall, she rates the album 6.5/10.
The team at the Native praised Patoranking's World Best for its seamless blend of dancehall, Afropop, and Caribbean influences, highlighting his ability to merge cultures with contemporary style. Emmanuel called it Patoranking's "magnum opus," while Chigoziri admired how the album emphasized his versatility with various genres. "The features are in-sync with his vision and each record has something to say," Emmanuel noted. Victony's standout verse on "Babylon" was widely celebrated, with several team members naming it the best song, while Inshallah was the biggest skip for some. They were generally impressed, with Dimeji stating, "It's easy to see the vision Patoranking had for this album."
Gabriel Myers Hansen of Music in Africa's review highlights Patoranking's ability to mix various genres, including reggae-dancehall, Afrobeats, and highlife, into a diverse 15-track album. He praises tracks like "Abobi," which comments on police brutality, and "Kolo Kolo," a dancehall love song, but notes that the album feels disjointed due to its fragmented genre focus. Hansen concludes, "World Best is enjoyable but only after multiple spins," with the track "Miracle Baby" symbolizing Patoranking's unexpected success.
Track listing
Notes
^[a] signifies an additional producer
^[b] signifies a co-producer
Personnel
= Performing artists
=
Jancy Joy Nwankwo - background vocals (track 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15)
Emeka John Azali - background vocals (track 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 12)
David Nathaniel Akpan - background vocals (track 3)
Abiola Isaac Daramola - background vocals (track 3, 4, 5), guitar (track 13)
Brenda Ngozi Adigwe - background vocals (track 7, 14)
Cornel's Choir - background vocals (track 7)
Lauretta Ayagogo - background vocals (track 8)
Luchee Michael - background vocals (track 8)
Ogechi Nancy Ihenacho - background vocals (track 8)
Favour Jesse Ekwere - background vocals (track 8)
Anderson Chima Nwabuwa - background vocals (track 8)
Chika Chizoba Daniel - background vocals (track 11, 12)
Damilola Ogunleye - guitar (track 3)
Daniel Omoyeni - saxophone (track 4)
Henrique Carvalhal - guitar (track 4)
Richard Ampadu - keyboards (track 4)
Joshua Moszi - guitar (track 6, 14, 15), producer (track 15)
Oladimeji Sanyaolu - saxophone (track 8, 11)
= Production and engineering
=
Dot Inc - producer (track 1)
Killertunes - producer (track 3, 12)
N2theA - producer (track 4)
DJ Breezy - producer (track 6)
Kel-P - producer (track 7)
Phantom - producer (track 8, 9, 13)
Yung Willis - producer (track 11)
Biggie Jazzy - additional producer (track 11), producer (track 14)
Leandro "Dro" Hidalgo - mixing engineer, mastering engineer (track 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
Mix Master Garzy - producer (track 2, 10), vocal recording engineer (track 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15), co-producer (track 6)
Ctea - vocal recording engineer (track 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14), producer (track 14, 15)
Release history
References
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