Spotify releases documentary on musical legacy of Uganda’s 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)
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