JOSHUA BARAKA INTERVIEW: Joshua Baraka has rapidly transitioned from a promising newcomer to a defining voice in Uganda’s contemporary music scene. With chart-topping hits and a distinctive blend of R&B, Afrobeats, and soul, the singer-songwriter has captivated listeners across East Africa and beyond. In this exclusive interview, VIPER sits down with Baraka to discuss his creative process, the influences shaping his sound, and what comes next as he navigates the bright spotlight of international attention.
Uganda has such a rich creative culture. What first drew you to music, and how did those early influences shape your sound today?
I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. My mum used to play music around the house the whole day. It really got me into loving music and storytelling. My music is all stories to this day because that’s the music I listened to growing up.
When did you first realise your music was connecting beyond home, that moment where you felt, ‘okay, this is really happening’?
When I did the Nana remix with Bien, Joeboy and King Promise. It was at that moment I realised things were serious.
You’ve called yourself a “multi-hyphenate” artist. How do you balance the different sides of your artistry (writer, performer, creative)?
I think it all balances out in the end because I need creativity to write but I also need to put it on a beat then perform it. So finding balance is automatic if you focus on the things you have to do.
Juvie is your debut album. What story are you telling through it, and what do you want people to feel when they hear it?
When people hear Juvie, I first and foremost want them to feel seen. I’m sharing my experiences in the hopes that someone out there resonates with them. I want them to dance, sing, cry, think and all the emotions I felt making it.
What was it like working with Grammy-winning producer JAE5, and how did that collaboration elevate your sound?
It was amazing. Jae5 is very talented and experienced so I got to learn a lot from him and we made beautiful music.
Your single ‘Dive In’ has a deep emotional pull. Can you break down what inspired that record?
Dive In is about being scared to fall in love but then you find someone worth taking the risk for. It’s about letting go of your past and fear in order to live in the moment.
What did you learn about yourself while making Juvie?
I learnt that I seek perfection a bit too much so it makes me very hard on myself. I had to learn to be patient with myself and extend myself some grace as I worked on the project.
Your recent European tour, especially the sold-out London show, looked electric. What was running through your mind seeing fans sing every word back?
It was surreal. It really made me feel like all the hustle so far has been worth it. It was humbling.
How important is live performance to who you are as an artist?
Live performance is one of my favourite ways to express myself. There is a different feel hearing a song live. Translating the music for the people and giving them more context into what the songs are saying.
Can you share a standout or unexpected moment from tour that fans haven’t seen yet?
I was actually very sick on the day of the first show to the point I thought I’ll cancel but I was able to pull it off.
With over 30 million streams and global attention, how do you stay grounded amid all the noise?
I’m surrounded by good people around me that keep me levelled. God is of course the major factor as to why I stay the way I am.
What’s next for Joshua Baraka, what kind of legacy are you hoping to build with Juvie and beyond?
I’m trying to leave my mark.
