Ugandan singer Joshua Baraka released his new single, ‘Commando’, featuring Nigerian Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage on October 29, bringing forward the collaboration ahead of his forthcoming EP, Recess II.
The release follows weeks of anticipation after Baraka shared a preview of the song online in October. The response from listeners prompted him to move the track from its original November release schedule.
Savage confirmed her involvement in the collaboration on October 11 through a post on X, thanking Baraka for including her on the record. Lifestyle Uganda first reported the partnership that day, following the exchange between the two musicians.
Baraka had also shared a preview announcing the collaboration, which brought together the Ugandan singer and one of Nigeria’s established Afrobeats performers.
‘Commando’ is included on Recess II, a seven-track project scheduled for release on November 12, according to its Apple Music listing. The single is released under Baraka’s name under exclusive licence to Moves Recordings.
A cross-border collaboration
The partnership brings together two artists from different music markets, extending Baraka’s collaborations beyond Uganda as he continues to build his audience across Africa.
It also marks Savage’s first musical collaboration with a Ugandan artist, according to reports on the release. Her previous East African collaborations include projects with Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz and Kenya’s Sauti Sol.
The song explores perseverance, ambition and the determination to succeed, including the desire to provide for the people closest to oneself.
For Baraka, the release comes as he prepares for B’RAKA LAND East Africa, his headline concert scheduled for November 28 at Lugogo Hockey Grounds in Kampala.
The concert is part of a wider campaign around his music and career, with Johnnie Walker recognising him as one of its Iconic Walkers under the brand’s Keep Walking campaign.
The partnership connects the brand’s message of progress and ambition with Baraka’s musical journey. Johnnie Walker is also expected to feature at the Kampala concert as part of the collaboration.
Concert promotion follows single release
The release of ‘Commando’ has coincided with a ticket promotion for the November concert.
Baraka announced reduced prices for general admission and VIP tickets, with the offer running until Sunday, November 1, at 11:59pm, according to an October 30 report by Nile Post.
B’RAKA LAND East Africa is scheduled to take place on November 28, with gates opening at noon, according to the event’s official website.
With ‘Commando’ now available and Recess II due later in November, the two releases provide the musical build-up to Baraka’s Kampala concert.
