Extending the December vibes. PHOTOS | ISAAC SSEJJOMBWE
Joshua Baraka is the only Ugandan nominee in this year’s Trace Awards and he received a nod in the Best Eastern African Artiste category where he is competing against heavyweights; Diamond Platinumz, Zuchu, and Bien.
This nomination called for a celebration and last Thursday, Johnnie Walker and Airtel Uganda honoured the burgeoning star with an exclusive party at Noni Vie which was also part of the Trace Awards City Tour.
“This has been a journey of faith and hard work. It has not been easy, but I am grateful for my team and everyone whohas supported me along the way. This nomination is not just for me, it is for Uganda, for every artiste pushing to be heard on the global stage,” Baraka said as he reflected on his musical journey.
Joshua Baraka
The Trace Awards City Tour events have happened in other cities as well that have nominees in different categories. including Johannesburg South Africa, Dar es Salaam-Tanzania, Nairobi-Kenya and Luanda-Angola and these activities will be happening until February 26 in Zanzibar for the awarding ceremony.
Beyond Joshua Baraka’s celebrations, the evening was full of activities, including insightful industry conversations, featuring a dynamic panel including Danny Mucira, who heads the Trace business in East Africa. The session delved into Ugandan music, the growing influence of African sounds on the global stage, the evolution of African music and its increasing global recognition.
Industry experts weighed in on how platforms such as the Trace Music Awards are reshaping narratives, and giving African artistes the international exposure they deserve.
Known for his rich blend of Afrobeat, bits and pieces of Ugandan kidandali, RnB, and soulful lyricism, Joshua Baraka has consistently delivered music that resonates with different audiences across borders.
Hits such as Nana, Dalilah, and DIGII IV, not only showcase his musical versatility, but have also earned him a huge fanbase across the continent, and among Afrobeat loversacross the globe and earning him a well-deserved recognition.
