Uganda’s Joshua Baraka Drops Third EP “Growing Pains” with Global Flair and Chart-Topping Hits

Guess who’s making waves in the music scene? It’s none other than Ugandan artist Joshua Baraka, and he’s just dropped his third EP, “Growing Pains,” ready for you to dive into through streaming and downloading.

Teaming up with his go-to beatsmith Axon for some top-notch production, Baraka, an All Africa Music Award winner, delivers a timely gift for his fans just in time for the holidays. This comes hot on the heels of his mega-hit single ‘Nana,’ which not only topped the charts but also earned him three nominations at the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) 2023 – Best Collaboration, Song of the Year, and Video of the Year.

Unlike his previous EPs, “Watershed” and “Baby Steps,” where he collaborated with Ugandan peers, Baraka takes a global approach on “Growing Pains.” The seven-track EP features international artists and showcases Baraka’s bold style and seasoned delivery. The singles ‘No Lie’ and ‘Dreams’ paved the way for this musical journey, and the EP boasts guest appearances by Ghana’s Yaw Tog and Nigeria’s Magixx, not to mention a remix of ‘Nana’ featuring Joeboy, King Promise, Bien, and Dr. Ish.

In Baraka’s own words, “This is my third project and it means a lot to me. From the title, it’s about all the struggles I’ve gone through in my career from when I started until now.”

He added: ”For me, to be where I am currently is unbelievable sometimes. I wanted to share how much I’ve grown, the things I had to sacrifice, and the things I had to go through in order to make it here.”

At just 22, Baraka is skyrocketing to fame in Uganda. A singer, songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist born and raised in Kampala, he initially hesitated to take the stage until a friend persuaded him to perform at a wedding in 2020. The gamble paid off handsomely, leading him to quit school and pursue music full-time. With role models like Bob Marley and Chronixx, Baraka is crafting his own path in the music world, showcasing his growth and diverse musical influences in “Growing Pains.”