In just a few years, Ugandan star Joshua Baraka has been winning fans all over the globe with his accessible and soulful R&B-leaning Afropop sound. After a summer run of top-tier features with the likes of Fave, DJ Neptune, Mr Tee and Tenorboy (on chart-topping East African radio hit, ‘Digii IV’ [830K streams]), he’s set to share ‘Lonely’, the lead cut of his forthcoming mixtape.
Produced by P Priime (whose credits include Pink Panthress, Rema, Burna Boy), ‘Lonely’ draws on the sonic innovation of iconic 90s Timbaland R&B beats, fusing this influence with Baraka’s yearning Afrosoul style to create an all-new sound.
Drenched in trademark sweet and soulful melodies, ‘Lonely’ draws on the nostalgic sonics and emotions of old school R&B, paying homage to the music that has had such an influence on his sound, whilst also showcasing another side to his artistry. Baraka explains “In a day and age where Afrobeats is a default for a lot of African artists, I wanted to show an African approach to R&B and give the world a glimpse at how diverse African artists can be.”
Rising through the ranks as an artist to watch, this year, Joshua’s been named as one of Spotify’s Radar artists in Africa, has collaborated with renowned Nigerian artists Simi, Joeboy, and Magixx on his recent mixtape ‘Growing Pains’ and is about to set off on tour across Europe with Ghana’s finest, the popular highlife and afrobeats artist King Promise.
‘Lonely’, which follows his first sold-out debut London headline show earlier this month at Amazing Grace (Watch recap HERE), solidifies Joshua’s position as one of Africa’s most exciting, innovative and sought-after young talents. Be sure to keep an eye on the meteoric rise of the incredible Joshua Baraka.
About Joshua Baraka
At just 22, singer-songwriter Baraka has rapidly become one of Uganda’s biggest stars, with 460K monthly listeners on Spotify and over 7 million streams. Born Joshua Baraka and raised in Bwaise, a poverty-stricken area in Kampala, he grew up surrounded by hardship but also community. “It was tough but kind of cool,” he reflects. “Houses were joined together, no gates, just united suffering—but a lot of life.” Despite the challenges, his parents shielded him from the harshest realities, and music became his escape. Now, with sold-out shows and chart-topping hits, Baraka has become the face of major playlists, such as African Heat, three times, cementing his place as a fast-rising talent. Though his journey began in a ‘ghetto’ defined by poverty, he transformed that struggle into success, resonating deeply with fans both at home and abroad.
