Uganda's Soul-Baring Star, Joshua Baraka, is Creating Networks for East African Music

Inspired by his travels and his home city of Kampala, Recess showcases Baraka's growth and versatility as an artist. The mixtape features collaborations with Ghana'sKiDi, Kenya's Bensoul, and production fromP.Priime, who is celebrated for his work with Wizkid and Burna Boy.

In an exclusive interview with OkayAfrica, Baraka discusses his new mixtape, the upcoming album, and his ambitions to become one of Africa's greatest musical icons.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

OkayAfrica: Congratulations on the release of your mixtape Recess. What inspired this project?

Joshua Baraka: I'm working on my album right now. But before releasing it, I wanted to drop a project that people could listen to while I finish. Recess is like an interlude — a bridge between Growing Pains, my previous project, and the album. So far, I've completed about three songs for the album, but there's still a lot of new music to create. It's a work in progress, but I'm excited about it.

What was the process like for creating the mixtape?

I spent much time traveling, especially in the U.K., where I met many producers and artists. That period was incredibly inspiring, and I made a lot of music. Most of the songs for Recess were created during that time. It was such an interesting experience working with producers like P.Priime and others. It pushed me creatively.

Recording while traveling is very different from working at home in Kampala. At home, it's just you in your room with a mic, and there's a tendency to overthink everything. But when you're on the road, you don't have the time to overthink— you go with the flow. That brings an entirely different vibe to the music. It's raw and immediate, not overly thought out, and that energy makes the songs unique.

Your music has a distinct, soulful, and introspective quality. What do you hope listeners take away from Recess?

All the songs are different, but they all have a sadness to them — like a soul to them. When people listen to songs like ‘Scared,’ I want them to know that I've gone through all these things but am still a bit scared. And it's okay to feel like that. ‘Because if Joshua is feeling it, it's okay for me to feel it.’ In many songs, I try to get people to feel like they're not alone.

Let's talk about your musical roots. How has growing up in Bwaise, Kampala, shaped your artistry?

Growing up without much teaches you to appreciate what you already have and the things around you. You learn to survive and to stay happy with little. The experiences of the people around me, the sense of community, and the sense of hope have all shaped how I write my music.

I want to make music that makes people feel seen and feel like they're not alone. In most of my songs, I'm talking about myself and sharing things from my perspective so that if someone shares a similar perspective, they feel less alone. My community and the things I've seen have influenced me in that way.

You initially started studying medicine before choosing music full-time. We might have been calling you Dr. Baraka today! What was the turning point in choosing music?

I was coming back from school on a boda boda, feeling stressed and depressed. I thought to myself, ‘Why am I suffering like this? Let me just do music.’ I realized that if I spent the time I used for school on music, I could achieve something by the time my peers graduated. I was already making some money from music to get through school. I figured if I focused on it fully, I could go further. I didn't expect to reach the level I'm at now, but I knew I'd make progress if I stayed focused. It wasn't easy. The journey taught me a lot. Sometimes, you have to put yourself first and trust your instincts.

East African music is gaining global recognition. How do you see your role in this movement?

You've collaborated with some incredible artists. Who else is on your dream list?

Oh, there are so many! Chronixx, Wizkid, Tems, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran, Adele — the list is endless. I admire these artists not only for their talent but also for pushing boundaries and connecting with their audiences.

You're in your early 20s with big dreams. What legacy do you hope to leave?

I want to leave my mark. I want to be someone who's talked about even after I'm gone. Someone who opens doors for others and sets the pace for them to go even further. That's what I hope to be: a legend, someone remembered for making a difference.

Your popularity has grown exponentially. Fame and recognition can be overwhelming. How do you navigate them?

Fame is an interesting thing, especially today, where someone can record themselves on a phone and become famous. You're still the same person, but now you're popular. With that comes people boosting your ego, others deflating it, and a constant cycle of, "What's happening right now?"

If you stay grounded and know who you are, you can enjoy the positives, though there are negatives too, like feeling nervous in public spaces. Fame is unique to each person, and it's hard to explain unless you've experienced it.

For me, staying grounded comes from my spirituality. I believe God is the center of everything, and it's not by my power but by the Spirit of God. Staying close to friends and those who know me also helps keep me centered.

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