{"id":1393,"date":"2025-05-26T16:15:08","date_gmt":"2025-05-26T16:15:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blizz.co.ug\/news\/?p=1393"},"modified":"2025-05-26T16:15:08","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T16:15:08","slug":"joshua-baraka-features-in-rolling-stone-magazines-future-of-music-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blizz.co.ug\/news\/joshua-baraka-features-in-rolling-stone-magazines-future-of-music-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"Joshua Baraka Features in Rolling Stone Magazine\u2019s Future of Music Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"

Joshua Baraka is officially flying the Ugandan flag high\u2014and the world is paying attention. The NANA hitmaker has just been featured as the cover star for Rolling Stone Africa\u2019s \u201cFuture of Music\u201d series, cementing his status as one of the continent\u2019s most promising voices.<\/em><\/p>\n

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At only 24 years old, Joshua is shaping a movement. From his viral breakout with NANA<\/em> to topping charts across East Africa with his latest single Wrong Places<\/em>, Baraka has managed to do what many dream of\u2014bridge the gap between local love and global recognition.<\/p>\n

In his Rolling Stone<\/em> feature, Joshua opened up about his mission to elevate Ugandan music on the world stage.<\/p>\n

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\u201cUganda has a lot to offer the world. I just try to present that and get more eyes to look at us,\u201d he shared.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

And he\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

But what truly sets him apart is his sound\u2014a beautiful blend of Afropop, R&B, and soul, woven with raw emotion and Ugandan flair. Whether he\u2019s crooning over a heartache in Dalilah<\/em> or giving us dancefloor magic with DIGII IV<\/em>, one thing always cuts through: those buttery smooth vocals.<\/p>\n

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His latest single, Wrong Places<\/em>\u2014a reflective track about love, loss, and addiction\u2014already shot to the top of Apple Music charts in Uganda and Kenya, thanks to its catchy hook and sleek JAE5 production. Baraka doesn\u2019t just ride beats\u2014he tells stories, the kind that tug at your heartstrings.<\/p>\n

And clearly, fans are feeling it. Scroll through any of his comment sections and you\u2019ll find messages like \u201cYou\u2019re really gonna carry Ugandan music to far places\u201d<\/em> and \u201cWe\u2019re so blessed to have you.\u201d<\/em> It’s the kind of hometown pride that gives goosebumps.<\/p>\n

The Voice of a Generation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Baraka\u2019s rise is not just about fame\u2014he\u2019s thinking legacy.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m trying to put myself in a position where I can put more people on,\u201d he said. \u201cTo set up an ecosystem around me that goes beyond just me as an artist.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He\u2019s passionate about East Africa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe eyes should be kept on East Africa. It\u2019s up next! The lyricism is there and the music is amazing,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

When asked about a dream collab? He didn’t hesitate.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI would love to work with Adele. That would be crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He also spoke about the biggest lesson his global travels have taught him:<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe\u2019re all really, really similar. The only thing that makes you special is being you.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

But no matter how far he goes, one thing remains true\u2014home is where his heart is<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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\u201cEast Africans are very communal. We love people. We show grace. That\u2019s what makes us special.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

And we\u2019re here for it all.<\/p>\n

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A post shared by Rolling Stone Africa (@rollingstoneafrica)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n