After a stellar year of touring, dropping a viral hit that had the world talking, and releasing his new album Juvie, Joshua Baraka is taking the world by storm. From Helsinki to Berlin to London, Joshua has charmed crowds with stripped-back serenades, party anthems, and his signature sense of humour — all while proudly spotlighting his roots in Uganda. Here, he opens up about the making of Juvie, life on tour, and everything that’s fueled his rise as one of music’s most exciting new voices.

Interview BY amrit kambo

Hi Joshua. Congratulations on your show last month at EartH, London — it was incredible. How was it from your perspective?

It was amazing! The crowd was unbelievable — I really felt the energy and the love immediately, and I had such a great time performing. The moment I stepped on stage, I knew it was going to be one of those nights I’ll think about for a long time. I even took my in-ears out at first just to really soak it all in; it was something special.

Even before Etania stepped on stage, the energy was electric. People were mingling, dancing on the bleachers — it was beautiful. How did it compare to last year’s show at Amazing Grace?

I’m so happy that everyone felt the family vibes — that’s exactly what I aim for at my shows. This year’s show was definitely bigger and better. I had more songs to perform, greater production; I was able to have a lot of fun with it. Both venues are very different — last year’s was much more intimate, while this one was on a completely different scale. It’s crazy because I also had a show in London in autumn 2023, and year after year, with each show in London, I can see myself and our team leveling up, which is quite crazy to think about.

You always look so comfortable on stage; have you always been so cool and composed?

That’s a nice compliment, because I definitely always feel nervous at first! I’m glad it doesn’t show. After the first two songs, once I know everything is running smoothly, I can relax and really enjoy myself. I’ve been doing live music for quite some time, so I understand the mechanics of a live show, and I know my way around the stage — that definitely helps with the nerves.

You get really well acquainted with your audience quickly. I feel like you look into the crowd and just connect instantly, which allows you to have fun.

That’s exactly how I feel! During the London show in particular, I felt like I knew everyone who had come and saw them all as family. I just look out and see so many friendly faces having fun and dancing, so I always aim to return the same energy I get from them.

Were there any songs where the crowd’s reaction surprised you?

I’d say “Scared” and “Dreams.” There was a point in the set where I worried people wouldn’t be as engaged or understand why the songs were so stripped back; especially as it was such a big crowd that showed up for me in London. It was incredibly relieving and emotional to hear everyone singing along. I could see people hugging, swaying, and really taking in the emotions of the songs. It was such a beautiful moment.

We need to shout out the incredible band! How did you build that relationship with them to be able to work in such synergy?

This is the second time I’ve worked with the band — they’re the same group I performed with at Amazing Grace. We were actually introduced by a mutual friend, and we immediately hit it off. Honestly, they’re just so talented, and we quickly built a strong rapport through just loving and understanding music. During rehearsals, they made everything so easy for me and worked so hard to be at their best, which definitely translates to how we all perform together on stage.

What has been your best show across Europe?

Denmark had the best sound, which made me feel so comfortable on stage because I knew everything would sound incredible while I was performing. Berlin, on the other hand, had the best vibe — the crowd was insane. I had an absolute blast, especially since I had no idea what to expect.

Have you noticed differences in how audiences receive your music depending on where they’re from?

Definitely. I also personalise my sets for every city because each one has its own vibe. During the Europe shows, I changed the sets live on the night since I didn’t have a band for those shows, just a DJ. I’d start the show, assess the vibe, get familiar with the crowd, and make decisions as I went. Denmark had a more intimate crowd, so they preferred the stripped-back songs. Berlin just wanted to dance, and they gave me so much energy. London was a really good mix of both. Helsinki? They didn’t care about the emotional songs at all — they only came to party. Don’t play with Helsinki!

How would you describe your music for people who don’t know you?

My music is a piece of myself. It tells my stories and the stories of the people around me. Every time someone listens to my songs, I want them to feel something — to dance, to cry, to laugh, or simply to just feel whatever they need to feel.

What did you listen to growing up?

I listened to a lot of gospel at home, a lot of Bob Marley, and the big R&B singers of the time — Babyface, D’Angelo (RIP). Then, of course, I listened to everything that was mainstream. Honestly, I’ve never forgotten a single song I’ve listened to. They’ve all shaped my musical landscape.

Who are you listening to in Uganda, and who did you first collaborate with when you started out?

I’ve always looked up to Chronixx, Mowzey Radio, Maurice Kirya, Cory Henry, Burna Boy, and Wizkid — a mix of Ugandan artists and mainstream afrobeats artists. The first Ugandan artist to really notice me was A Pass. He gave me a collaboration on the song “Omu.” Nobody knew me at the time, but he liked my vibe and thought I was talented, which was my first real sign I was on the right track. Since then, I’ve worked with some of the biggest artists in Uganda, and now I’m one of the biggest Ugandan artists myself! Right now, I’m listening to Elijah Kitaka, Awazi, Soundlykbb, Tungi and more. The Ugandan music scene is incredible — everyone is so talented.

Talk to us about Juvie — your latest album. What’s the story behind it?

Juvie is about the journey of being a young adult and navigating the complexities of life. It’s the next chapter in my story — from my EP Baby Steps, to my album Growing Pains, and now to Juvie. Growing Pains was me trying to make sense of the small taste of success I was experiencing at the time. Juvie represents a step further: a bit more success, but also a deeper awareness of my world and how it has shifted. It’s about how I personally view life through my experiences — partying, not partying, falling in love, falling out of love, and all the emotions and contradictions that come with adulthood.

How did you create the album, and what was the process like?

Some of the songs I had written a long time ago, and others were created in the studio with Jae5 — we spent an entire month writing and recording. It was a combination of so much work across so much time, and it was truly amazing to see everything come together so perfectly. I experimented with a lot of different sounds on Juvie, and it’s been a pleasure to see how the music resonates with my audience. That’s part of the beauty of being an artist on a journey — I constantly want to question myself, stretch my creativity, and see what I can do.

And speaking of your journey, how has your faith shaped the path you’ve taken?

My view of God has changed over time. I’ve been on the road, working hard, and sometimes you have nothing to hold onto but your belief that everything will work out. I trust God more now than I ever have, and I try to live according to the purpose He has created for me.

How has the journey changed you?

I’ve changed a lot. The person I was a few years ago — or even six months ago — is so different from who I am today. My life is so busy, and I’m always doing new things in new places. Because of that, I learn new lessons every single day. The most important lesson I’ve learned is to show up for yourself, take care of yourself, keep the faith, and stay focused on what you’re doing. I’m so thankful to be living my dreams, and I never take it for granted.

What advice would you give to upcoming creatives who are chasing their dreams?

My top advice is simple: be consistently good. Consistency matters, and so does quality. Strive to be the best you can be in whatever you do, and learn from those around you. Always, always work to perfect your craft. Remember, this is a service — you’re creating art for other people to experience. As much as you do it for yourself, it’s the audience that interprets it, and it’s the audience that has the power to change your life in an instant if they like what you’re doing. So stay sharp, stay observant, and keep your ear to the street!