Joshua Baraka is officially flying the Ugandan flag high—and the world is paying attention. The NANA hitmaker has just been featured as the cover star for Rolling Stone Africa’s “Future of Music” series, cementing his status as one of the continent’s most promising voices.
At only 24 years old, Joshua is shaping a movement. From his viral breakout with NANA to topping charts across East Africa with his latest single Wrong Places, Baraka has managed to do what many dream of—bridge the gap between local love and global recognition.
In his Rolling Stone feature, Joshua opened up about his mission to elevate Ugandan music on the world stage.
“Uganda has a lot to offer the world. I just try to present that and get more eyes to look at us,” he shared.
And he’s doing exactly that. With over 20 million streams, features from heavyweights like Joeboy, Ghetts, JAE5, and FAVE, and performances across Europe with Bien, Joshua is on a run that few Ugandan artists have ever experienced.
But what truly sets him apart is his sound—a beautiful blend of Afropop, R&B, and soul, woven with raw emotion and Ugandan flair. Whether he’s crooning over a heartache in Dalilah or giving us dancefloor magic with DIGII IV, one thing always cuts through: those buttery smooth vocals.
His latest single, Wrong Places—a reflective track about love, loss, and addiction—already shot to the top of Apple Music charts in Uganda and Kenya, thanks to its catchy hook and sleek JAE5 production. Baraka doesn’t just ride beats—he tells stories, the kind that tug at your heartstrings.
And clearly, fans are feeling it. Scroll through any of his comment sections and you’ll find messages like “You’re really gonna carry Ugandan music to far places” and “We’re so blessed to have you.” It’s the kind of hometown pride that gives goosebumps.
The Voice of a Generation
Baraka’s rise is not just about fame—he’s thinking legacy.
“I’m trying to put myself in a position where I can put more people on,” he said. “To set up an ecosystem around me that goes beyond just me as an artist.”
He’s passionate about East Africa’s creative wave, shouting out fellow Ugandan stars like Azawi, Kohen Jaycee, Elijah Kitaka, Nice Akeine, CXNRVD, and Soundlykbb, as well as Kenyan gems like Maya Amolo, Maali, and Andyah.
“The eyes should be kept on East Africa. It’s up next! The lyricism is there and the music is amazing,” he declared.
When asked about a dream collab? He didn’t hesitate.
“I would love to work with Adele. That would be crazy.”
He also spoke about the biggest lesson his global travels have taught him:
“We’re all really, really similar. The only thing that makes you special is being you.”
But no matter how far he goes, one thing remains true—home is where his heart is.
“East Africans are very communal. We love people. We show grace. That’s what makes us special.”
And we’re here for it all.
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