In the Ugandan capital, PAM met Joshua Baraka, a rising Ugandan pop star, the day he was filming an acoustic version of his hit “NANA ». In this short documentary, the singer and composer recounts his difficult childhood, when the family lacked everything, and music served as an escape. It will end up guiding his life, and becoming his profession since he will become a professional pianist before finally entering the studio to record his own songs. First attempt, masterstroke: his singles “NANA » and “Belinda.” » are still at the top of the Ugandan charts today. With his falsetto voice and his sweet melodies, his musical culture where gospel, jazz and r’n’b combine, Joshua burst onto the scene by opening his own, sensitive and singular path.
PAM met the artist before the release of his latest EP, Growing Pains, which brings together a cast of hitmakers from West Africa: we find Yaw Tog, figure of asakaa (Ghanaian drill) and his compatriot Joeboy, or even the Nigerian afro-fusion singer Magixx. The seven tracks, including a remix of “NANA », take Joshua’s crooning style and accompanying backing vocals to another level. “ I like to create worldshe explains in the documentary directed by Marion Desmaret, and my music sounds like the soundtrack to a movie that doesn’t exist yet“. His career is only just beginning, but Joshua Baraka – an emblematic artist of a Ugandan pop scene that is still little-known abroad – is eager to help his music and that of other talents from his country travel. “ It’s going to be a very interesting time for Ugandan music! » he announces.
Discover this new PAM Meets and follow Joshua in the streets of Kampala, dancing on a rooftop or behind the scenes of his latest music video.
Listen to Joshua Baraka’s new EP, Growing Pains.