What is your original name? Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie. What would you term your style of music to be? Reggae/Dancehall/Afrobeats How was it being a judge on the Voice Nigeria? It was humbling. Getting to criticise, comment on and assess other people's music delivery patterns, arrange their performances and rate dexterity was super tasking but definitely worth it. How has fatherhood changed your perception of life and as an artist? It has changed a tremendous amount. With life, it has changed the way I see things completely. I am more considerate with decisions now I have another life under my care. I want to be a better person for her more than ever. As an artist, she inspires me, I think of her and my heart is filled with emotions, words, melodies, dreams. Its a beautiful feeling. How do you manage to balance your showbiz life and your personal life? I keep them very separate. Its best. How do you manage to avoid scandals? God's grace. I mind my business. How many endorsement deals do you have and kindly speak about your ambassadorial duties with Sky Vodka and Airtel?
It was a great experience with Sky Vodka and Airtel, super supporting brands. Watch this space. Who produced, mixed and mastered the album Wilmer? A couple of brilliant producers- DJ Coublon, DJ Buddha/Shermanology/Menasa, Mr Kamera, Ctea, Mix Master Garzy, Botcash, Ian Greenidge & Abayomi Kadejoh and Hycinth & Sarz and Malcolm. Why the name Wilmer and what does it mean? The name WIlmer was inspired by my daughter whose name is Wilmer and it means Famous in German, which pretty much sums up a bit of where I am at in my career at the moment. I like to think its a real direction of upwards and forwards coming from my last album -God Over Everything. How did it feel performing at Choma Na Ngoma Festival recently and were your expectations of the event met? It was super awesome, such an honour and the fans showed me so much love. I'm grateful. My expectations were met and I look forward to doing it again with my Kenyan fans. I love them. How do you manage to stay so grounded, focused and humble in your music career? Its all God. God Over Everything. I’m imperfect so I have a lot of help God, from my hardworking team, family and fans. How was it growing up in the ghetto and rising to be one of the most sought after and respected artists in Africa and beyond? It was hard. Life is not a bed of roses and even if it was, the thorns will still have to be contended with. I am still on a journey but I am grateful. What three things always stand out for you about Kenya (since you've come on several occasions for various projects)? The Love- its so raw and unhampered even from those who don’t know who I am. The FoodAbsolutely Love it. and The Fans - Its Love made in Kenya. Any international collaborations your working on with artists from Africa and abroad? Definitely, my new album is out and I have some amazing brothers and sister on there that are doing mighty things across the continent and abroad. Check it out. What is your advice to upcoming artists?
Be Original, Stay Consistent and don’t lose focus of where you are headed. Nobody said it would be easy and nothing is impossible. Music is a universal language, speak it. Any Last Words? You’re not where you’re headed but if you look back and say thank you for the things you presently have, you will see you’re not where you began. Stay Humble, Always be Grateful and Stay true to who you are.