Monday, September 21, 2026

Spotify releases documentary on musical legacy of Uganda’s Baraka

This upcoming phase marks a pivotal moment in Baraka’s career

• October 30, 2024
Joshua Baraka
Joshua Baraka

An online streaming platform, Spotify, has released a documentary, celebrating Uganda-born singer, songwriter and producer, Joshua Baraka.

Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said Baraka was also a rising Spotify RADAR Africa artiste.

Ms Okumu said that the documentary was produced due to Spotify’s commitment to supporting and amplifying the voices of African artistes and showcasing the diverse sounds redefining the continent’s music scene.

She said, “Joshua Baraka is set to captivate global audiences with the release of his latest single, “Lonely”, alongside an intimate documentary. This upcoming phase marks a pivotal moment in Baraka’s career as he prepares to solidify his place on the international stage.

The documentary offers a rare glimpse into Baraka’s journey, featuring moments with his family, a visit to the boxing gym that shaped his discipline, and the premiere of “Lonely,” his next big hit. It provides fans with a deeper understanding of his roots, artistic process, and future ambitions.’’

Ms Okumu described Baraka’s rise as an impressive one.

She said his debut EP, Growing Pains, saw collaborations with major names such as Bien, King Promise, and Joeboy, while his breakthrough hit “NANA” had garnered over 5 million streams.

According to Spotify’s data, Baraka’s music has reached audiences across Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with his tracks added to over 240,000 playlists on Spotify.

Ms Okumu said with “Lonely,” Joshua “enters his next era, showcasing the unique sound and storytelling that had made him one of East Africa’s most exciting new artistes.”

As Baraka reflected on his RADAR Africa journey, he said, “I am really thankful to be part of the RADAR programme this year. It’s been an opportunity for me to showcase my art and show people a bit of my world. It feels good to be recognised by a programme that has birthed a lot of the artistes I look up to. I hope this opens doors for other Ugandan artistes like me.”

(NAN) 

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

States

Niger Miners’ Deaths: Independent committee set for inauguration Tuesday

Mr Tunji-Ojo described the deaths of the alleged illegal miners as deeply disturbing.

Afreximbank

Economy

Afreximbank, ATDC sign $500 million facility to expand African trade, distribution

ATDC currently runs local operations in Egypt, Nigeria, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

UNICAL

States

UNICAL suspends nine students over exam misconduct

The suspension was conveyed to the affected students in letters signed by the registrar, Chukwuka Icha.

Gates Foundation

World

Global coalition targets AI access for 3.4 billion people

The foundation said the initiative was aimed at addressing a major gap in AI access.

President Bola Tinubu

NationWide

Tinubu extends working vacation

Mr Onanuga said the president would return to the country at the weekend.

Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang

States

Gov. Mutfwang imposes curfew in three Plateau LGAs over insecurity

The commissioner reassured law-abiding citizens that security personnel would operate with professionalism.