Get Familiar: Joshua Baraka

Interview by Passion Dzenga

Before Joshua Baraka became a familiar name on lineups, he was a 17-year-old in Kampala playing piano in bars and serving on church worship teams. Raised in a house where his mother led worship and his father preached from the pulpit, music wasn’t a hobby so much as a second language—gospel, Radio & Weasel, Lucky Dube and Bob Marley all folding into the same soundtrack. That mix of faith, family and constant rehearsal quietly shaped the artist he is now: a writer who treats songs like stories, and performances like testimony.

On his debut album Juvie, executive-produced by JAE5, Joshua steps fully into his coming-of-age era—channelling young adulthood, love, doubt and growth through a sound that fuses Afrobeats, R&B, gospel and soul without ever losing sight of home. Fresh off a sold-out European tour, AFRIMA nominations, and a show-stealing co-headline with Tems in Kenya, he’s thinking less about numbers and more about connection: making young listeners feel less alone, and making sure the world knows exactly where this voice comes from—Uganda, East Africa, and a lifetime of familiar melodies turned into something new. 

You’ve had quite a remarkable journey—from playing piano in Kampala bars at 17 to headlining European shows today. When you look back, what kept you going through the toughest moments?

First and foremost, God. I’m a firm believer, and He’s helped me through a lot. My friends and family too—I have a tight-knit circle that keeps me levelheaded. My parents, my team… I’m blessed to have good people around me who help me stay focused on the vision.

Growing up in Uganda, in Kampala, what were some of your earliest musical memories?

It was amazing. Kampala is such an inspiring place because you’re constantly interacting with different people, and that means different music. I grew up listening to acts like Radio & Weasel, Lucky Dube, Bob Marley—plus a lot of gospel from church. All of that shaped how I view and make music.

You mentioned church—how did that environment shape your musical style?

Church music is rich. Very musical. I learned instruments there—mainly piano and keyboard—and we were always rehearsing, always arranging songs in new ways each week. That trained my composition skills and made me approach music from a deeply musical place.

What influence did your family have on your musical journey?

A huge one. My mum was a worship leader—she always kept music in the house, so I’ve basically been listening to music since the womb. She coached me when I first showed interest. My dad, who’s a pastor, would take me to church and introduce me to all the best musicians. He’s also a great writer, so I picked up writing from him.

When did you first realise music could be your path, not just a dream?

After high school. Music was the main thing I was doing, and it just clicked—this is what I should be doing consistently.

Your debut album Juvie is on the way and it’s executive-produced by JAE5. How did that collaboration come together?

We were connected through someone on my team, and when we met we clicked instantly. I spent a lot of time in London at his studio building the album from scratch. It was humbling—I’ve always admired JAE5, so getting to work closely with him was a blessing.

What was the studio process between you two like?

It depended on the vibe of the day. Sometimes I’d start with piano while he did drums, sometimes he’d start melodies while I wrote. We bounced off each other. Whoever was inspired in the moment would lead.

Can you talk about the album itself? What does Juvie mean to you?

Juvie is short for “juvenile”—it’s about young adulthood. My experiences, my views on love, relationships, life. It’s my first album, something I’ve always wanted to make, and I’m really excited for it.

As one of Africa’s rising stars, how did you approach crafting the sound of the album?

I fused all my influences—R&B, gospel, soul, Afro sounds. I’m from Africa, so the African touch is always there, but I didn’t restrict myself to only Afrobeats. Every song feels different but still rooted in where I’m from.

What message do you hope young listeners take from this project?

I want young adults to feel less alone. The things I sing about are universal—I've travelled and seen that we all go through similar experiences in different ways. I just want to give my perspective and hopefully inspire someone.

If Juvie were the soundtrack to a movie, what genre would that film be?

A coming-of-age film—life, drama, love, growth. That’s the world the album lives in.

You just wrapped a sold-out European tour, including a major London show. How did it feel performing to fans around the world?

It’s crazy—in the best way. Seeing people across the world resonate with your music is special. It shows me I’m on the right path. Every show inspires me.

Any standout moments from the tour?

The London show at EartH was huge—biggest venue, so much love. Berlin’s crowd was amazing. Denmark had incredible sound. Finland was special because it was my first time there, and realising I have fans there was surreal.

Did you travel with your team during the tour?

Yes, I travelled with my team. Most cities were playback sets, but London was with a full band based there. It was all very organised and smooth.

You recently co-headlined a major festival in Kenya alongside Tems. What was that like?

Incredible. So many people, lights in the crowd, everyone singing. I felt like a rockstar. I love Tems, so sharing a headline with her and meeting her was amazing.

Do you prefer playing in new territories or being back home in Africa?

New spaces. It’s like a first date—you’re experiencing each other for the first time. I love that energy.

You’ve been nominated for two AFRIMA Awards this year. How does that feel?

It’s overwhelming in the best way. Things you dream about or watch on TV suddenly happening to you… it means everything.

How do you see Uganda—and East Africa overall—fitting into the global spotlight on African music?

East Africans are incredible storytellers. The music is rich. The world’s eyes are starting to shift to places they haven’t explored yet, including Uganda. There’s so much talent here—I’m excited for people to discover it.

Your single “Dive In” dropped on Uganda Independence Day. Was the timing intentional?

Yes—it was my way of tipping my hat to where I’m from. My music is mostly in English and global-sounding, so it’s easy for people to not know I’m Ugandan. Releases like this remind people of my roots.

Dive In deals with heartbreak, healing, and vulnerability. Was it hard to open up like that?

Music is the only place I’m comfortable being completely vulnerable. In real life I’m more closed off. Dive In is about the fear of falling in love—but choosing to risk it anyway.

What keeps you grounded as things keep growing around you?

Faith, family, friends, my team—and self-awareness. I take time to process what’s happening and separate reality from social media. Knowing who you are makes staying grounded easier.

Beyond charts and tours, what does success look like to you?

Being heard by as many people as possible—and people understanding the message. When Wrong Place blew up and people truly got what I was saying, that felt like success.
(And yes, I want the Bugatti too!)

Are there any artists or producers you dream of working with next?

I want to do more festivals next year. And I want to work with more musicians—Cory Henry, Olivia Dean, artists making more “musical music,” if that makes sense.

If you could speak to your 17-year-old self playing bars in Kampala, what would you say?

Keep going. Show up. Everything will make sense eventually.

And if you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Honestly, I struggle to imagine that. Maybe something in church—maybe a pastor. Or business. Probably a very simple life: work, home, weekend parties. But music is all I’ve ever known.