Who is Joshua Baraka?
Joshua Baraka is a Ugandan singer, songwriter, and music producer. He blew up in 2023 with Nana, a song that took over TikTok and the charts. Before that, he had already been grinding, releasing projects like Baby Steps, Belinda, and Sana.
Where did Joshua Baraka grow up?
He was born in Kawempe, Kampala, and raised in Bwaise, a neighborhood he describes as “the ghetto”—a tough but lively place. “You could look into the next person’s living room! There was no money around, but there was a lot of life,” he says. ”My parents tried not to let us get too deep into the ghetto, and music kept me away from ghetto activities.”
When did he start making music?
Joshua knew music was his calling from a young age. “I started when I was 6,” he recalls. “The first song I ever wrote was about my mother, but I never sang it to her, she never got to hear it!”
How did his family support his music career?
His parents recognized his talent and did everything they could to nurture it. “My mum took me to the music school and stayed there until they agreed to take me because we weren’t going to pay!” he laughs. His father, a pastor, also brought in keyboard players to teach him.
Was music always his career plan?
Not at all—Joshua initially wanted to be a doctor! But after struggling with his A-Levels and discovering music production, he dropped out of school at 19. “I was studying to be a doctor, but at that time I also got into production. School was stressing me, but music was my passion,” he says. His parents took a few days to process it but ultimately backed his decision.
How did he break into the music scene?
Before recording his own music, Joshua played piano and performed covers in bars and restaurants. This helped him develop stage presence and understand what crowds wanted. His breakthrough came when his friend (and now manager) Lob invited him to perform at an industry event—people loved his music.
What was his first major song?
His first notable track was Belinda in 2022, a song about an influencer’s rise to fame. But it was just the beginning. “Belinda was a warm-up,” Joshua says. His true breakout hit came the next year.
How did Nana change his career?
“From when I recorded Nana, I knew it was the one – I felt it, but I didn’t know it would go this far!” The song became a social media sensation, topping charts in Uganda and Kenya and leading to an international remix.
What made Nana such a big hit?
The song’s infectious dancehall rhythm and its relatable story of a secret romance connected with audiences. “I knew it was taking off when I heard kids in my neighborhood singing it, and local guys started recognizing me. But I never guessed it would put me on a plane and take me to the UK!.”
How did he go international?
Nana caught the attention of UK-based Afrobeats label Moves Recordings, which set up a remix featuring Joeboy (Nigeria), King Promise (Ghana), and Bien (Kenya). This took Joshua on his first flights ever. “From a family where no one had ever boarded a plane before, I suddenly found myself in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and the UK!”
What does he say about his songwriting process?
Joshua is deeply into storytelling. “The melody alone without words stays in the head, but the words give the melody purpose,” he explains. He draws from literature, manga, and poetry to craft lyrics that feel real.
How has traveling influenced his music?
Traveling has expanded his perspective. “Seeing the cultures has shaped the scope of what I can write. If I write now, I’m writing for the world. I’ve seen how universal words are; they transcend everything.”
What’s the biggest lesson he has learned from other artists?
Joshua has had the chance to meet artists he once idolized, like Bien and UK rapper Ghetts. “Realizing they’re just people like me has shown me I can do it too. A good man learns from his mistakes, but a wise man learns from other people.”
How does he deal with tough times?
Writing is his escape. “Growing up, I went through a lot of painful things, and it’s music that kept me going. If I’m sad, I try to write from the perspective of someone who would know what to say to me.” Then he jokes, “Even if I’m going to talk about bums, I’m trying to paint a picture!”
What’s next for Joshua Baraka?
With his new EP rolling out in December, Joshua is just getting started. “I’m not one to anticipate what’s going to happen. I just do what I have to do that day… but by the time I take my foot out, it will have left an imprint on this world!”
