Wednesday, July 15, 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.”

Scraps

States

Scrap scarcity major challenge in Nigeria’s steel sector: Expert

Mr Madagua described scrap as a key raw material for steel production.

World

UK proposes midnight social media ban for teens

The government also wants features considered addictive such as auto-play and infinite scroll to be disabled by default.

Eastland Electricity Distribution Limited

States

EEDL warns customers against illegal electricity connections

The head of communications said every customer had the right to be connected to electricity through a transparent and approved process.

Imo State

States

Imo hoteliers inaugurate new interim management committee

Mr Chukwunyere congratulated the committee and urged them to abide by the rule of law in the discharge of their functions.

NCS, NABTEB and ITF logos

NationWide

FG ratifies NCS, NABTEB, ITF’s mandates to drive industrialisation

Mr Enoh said the federal government was making concerted efforts to achieve industrialisation.

LEGISLATIVE GAVEL

States

Court sentences cannabis dealer to 10-month jail term

The Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday, sentenced one Kudus Adewale, 28, to 10 months in the correctional centre for dealing in 250g of cannabis sativa