Joshua Baraka joins Spotify’s RADAR program

The initiative has been instrumental in propelling emerging talents onto the global stage. A number of African musicians have been nurtured through the program, propelling their music to the global scene.

This year, the spotlight of Spotify's RADAR Africa shines on several artists who are redefining African music.

Baraka from Uganda joins other talented musicians who have been recognized under this initiative in the past, such as Ayra Starr, Victony, BNXN, and Bloody Civilian from Nigeria.

Check out: Joshua Baraka dismisses Etania, Lyndah Ddane beef

Phiona Okumu, Spotify's Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, remarked on 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.”

Baraka, who first made waves with his 2020 debut "Tomorrow," has quickly garnered a significant following with his soulful style and poignant lyrics.

His music resonates deeply across various demographics, evidenced by the high streaming numbers from diverse regions including Nigeria, Kenya, the United States, the United Kingdom, and his native Uganda.

Baraka's most popular track "NANA" and its remix featuring African stars like Joeboy, King Promise, and Bien, have particularly captured listeners' attention, cementing his status as a rising star in the music world.

Joshua Baraka pulse uganda

Nigeria, in particular, has emerged as a significant hub for his music on Spotify, reflecting the universal appeal of his melodies that transcend cultural boundaries.

Baraka's ability to connect with audiences is also shown through his listener demographics, predominantly comprising Gen Z and millennials, with a notably higher proportion of male listeners. Over the past year, his songs have been added to nearly 195,000 Spotify playlists, underscoring his growing influence and the broad appeal of his musical style.

Shallipopi

Shallipopi pulse uganda

Another noteworthy artist under the RADAR program is Shallipopi from Nigeria, known affectionately as “Presido De La Pluto” by his fans. Shallipopi has captured the imagination of many with his innovative freestyles that offer fresh takes on street culture and music.

His track "Cast" tops his Spotify streams, showcasing his unique blend of traditional and modern musical elements. Over the past year, Shallipopi's music has reached nearly 2 million playlist adds, and his audience spans across Nigeria, the United States, the UK, Ghana, and South Africa, highlighting his global reach.

Manana pulse uganda

From Eswatini, Manana has also made a significant mark. As a Grammy-winning songwriter, singer, and producer, his tracks blend soulful melodies with R&B influences. Manana's global audience is growing, with significant streaming numbers from South Africa, the US, Nigeria, Kenya, and the UK. His track "Distance - Acoustic" is particularly popular, showcasing his songwriting prowess and musical versatility.

In an exclusive interview, Joshua Baraka shared insights into his musical journey and style.

He described his music as a reflection of his personal experiences and feelings, shaped significantly by his gospel roots and various musical influences ranging from Bob Marley to R&B and jazz.

Despite the challenges faced in the music industry, which often differ from public perceptions, Baraka remains committed to his craft and is eager to put Ugandan and East African music on the global map.