From humble beginnings in Bwaise to representing Uganda on the global stage, Joshua Baraka shares his journey, challenges, and dreams for the future.
Joshua Baraka is proving to be more than just another fast-rising musician—he’s becoming the torchbearer of Uganda’s music scene. With a sound that seamlessly blends soulful melodies, East African rhythms, and heartfelt lyricism, Baraka is capturing the attention of audiences far beyond his home country. As East Africa continues to emerge as a global force in music, Baraka stands at the forefront, carrying the hopes of a region rich in talent and tradition.
Growing up in Bwaise, Uganda, wasn’t easy, and Joshua Baraka doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenges of his upbringing. “I was surrounded by hopeful people, outcasts who only had themselves,” he shares. “I learned to appreciate the little I have, always show love, and be kind. One of the reasons I make music is for all the people who couldn’t chase their dreams because of the situations they were born into.”
Reflecting on his journey, he speaks with gratitude about how far he has come since his debut EP, Baby Steps. “I’ve learned a lot about myself and music over the last few years,” he says. Traveling and experiencing how different cultures perceive music has been transformative for him. “I’ve been mentored by artists I’ve always looked up to, and I’m thankful for it all.” This growth is not only evident in his music but also in the way he navigates his career with increasing confidence.
The breakout success of his song “Nana” marked a pivotal moment. “One of the biggest lessons I learned from that was that it’s all God’s timing,” he reflects. The experience reinforced his belief in artistic freedom, inspiring him to create music that resonates with his soul. “It showed me I can do anything I want as long as it’s good to me.”
As Joshua Baraka works to expand his reach beyond Uganda to continental and global audiences, the journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. “Differences in culture are tricky to navigate,” he admits. But with patience and curiosity, he’s slowly learned how to adapt to diverse audiences while staying true to his roots.
His latest release, RECESS, marks another milestone in Joshua Baraka’s evolution as an artist. He describes it as “a combination of different songs and sounds that go together sonically.” The title, he explains, represents a pause before his next big project—an interlude that gives fans a taste of what’s to come. While the production quality rivals that of a full album, he’s adamant about calling it a mixtape. “There’s no real conceptual thread tying the songs together,” he says, “so I decided to call it a mixtape.”
When it comes to his creative process, it’s fluid and ever-changing. “Some days, the lyrics come first; other times, it’s the melody. It depends on how I’m feeling,” he explains. A multi-instrumentalist, he often lets the instruments guide the direction of his music. “It’s about how the instrument complements what I’m writing at the time.” Collaboration, he adds, is a vital part of his artistry. He recalls a particularly memorable session with King Perry, whose track they worked on together is yet to be released.
Despite his growing list of collaborations, he still dreams of working with icons like Chronixx, Tems, Burna Boy, and Cory Henry. “Chronixx is at the top of my list,” he says enthusiastically. “I admire their styles and creativity.”
With East Africa’s music scene gaining global recognition, Joshua Baraka feels a sense of responsibility to represent his region. “I have a mission to shine more light on East African music,” he says passionately. “It’s vibrant and deserves an ear. I’m honored to be a symbol for other amazing artists in my country, showing that anything is possible.”
For young artists facing challenges similar to his own, Joshua Baraka’s advice is heartfelt and straightforward. “Do your best to grow your craft and be the best at what you do. Be consistently good and never forget to pray.”
Beyond music, he dreams of venturing into other creative spaces. “I’d love to get into film scoring and maybe a bit of fashion here and there,” he shares. And as a self-proclaimed anime fan, he has a specific series in mind for a dream soundtrack project. “I’d love to create a soundtrack for Sword Art Online,” he says, a nostalgic smile spreading across his face. “It was the first anime I ever watched, and it introduced me to that world.”
Joshua Baraka’s responses reveal a calm confidence that perfectly rounds off the interview. This is an artist deeply connected to his roots yet unafraid to dream big. With his unique sound and unwavering drive, his journey is far from over. For now, he’s savoring every step, ready to take on the world one song at a time.
