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Ugandan musician Joshua Baraka is opening up on how a little setback in his education steered him to the path of his remarkable music career.
From what he and his parents considered a disappointment, the singer says, came an opportunity that has shoved him into the international limelight.
Setbacks
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Baraka attended good schools, but his family struggled financially. The hopes of his family rested on his academic success, particularly in securing a government university sponsorship after his A' Level exams.
However, Baraka's performance was far from what was expected.
"When I finished A’ Level, which I failed horribly, I did not have a lot of options because my parents were banking on me getting government university sponsorship," Baraka revealed in an interview with Sabrina Agasha.
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Turning to Music
Despite the academic setback, Baraka's love for school and learning didn't wane. He began performing music gigs to earn some money, which allowed him to enrol at Kampala Polytechnic in Mengo to study building and construction. However, the field did not resonate with him. The idea of becoming a senior porter, at best, was not fulfilling for someone with his creative aspirations.
"I was studying for a certificate which meant that at best I would be a senior porter, and that wasn’t working for me. So I went and told my parents that I was quitting to focus on music. At first, they were not quite sure but I convinced them that I was truly wasting my time on all the other things when I could focus on something I had passion for."
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Rising in the Music Scene
Baraka's decision to pursue music full-time was the turning point in his life. He made his debut in 2020 with the single "Tomorrow," which quickly gained traction for its soulful style and poignant lyrics. His music, deeply influenced by his gospel roots and various genres like Bob Marley’s reggae, R&B, and jazz, struck a chord with listeners.
His track "NANA" and its remix featuring African stars such as Joeboy, King Promise, and Bien, became particularly popular, further cementing his status as a rising star. Baraka's music resonates deeply across various demographics, evidenced by high streaming numbers from countries including Nigeria, Kenya, the United States, the United Kingdom, and his native Uganda.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Baraka's hard work and talent did not go unnoticed. In May 2024, he celebrated a significant milestone by being enrolled in Spotify's RADAR Program. This initiative has been pivotal in propelling emerging talents onto the global stage, nurturing several African musicians, including Ayra Starr, Victony, BNXN, and Bloody Civilian from Nigeria.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify's Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the importance of this initiative:
“This cohort represents some of the continent’s most promising artists. As African artists continue to gain international recognition, Spotify is thrilled to play a crucial role in discovering and promoting local talent to a global audience.”