Patrice Wilson

Patrice Iteke Wilson (born June 19, 1983), also known by his stage name Pato, is a Nigerian-American former producer, songwriter, and singer. He co-founded the ARK Music Factory (with Clarence Jey) in 2010, a record label which specialized in young-teen pop artists. Wilson is credited with signing American singer Rebecca Black prior to the release of her 2011 debut single “Friday,” which peaked at number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100. Wilson and Jey wrote and produced the song, as well as most songs performed by artists signed to the label; ARK shut down in 2012. Wilson’s successor label, Pato Music Worldwide (PMW) signed singer Alison Gold and released her 2013 debut single “Chinese Food,” which peaked at number 29 on the chart. They became viral phenomena through their music videos on YouTube. PMW likewise shut down in 2016, and Wilson has since maintained a low profile. Early life Patrice Wilson was born in Nigeria, the son of a Nigerian father who worked as a chemical engineer and an English-Irish mother who was a church minister. In Nigeria, he studied at Wilson Prep School (a Christian school established by his mother), Zamani College, and Essence International School. Wilson’s