There's a difference between people listening to your music and people believing in it. Joshua Baraka seems to have cultivated an audience that does both.
An intimate gathering
On Thursday evening at Rustic Expeditions in Muyenga, an exclusive listening session for his new EP, Recess 2, felt more like a choir. Songs released barely a day earlier were already being sung back to him by an enthusiastic crowd that seemed to have known them for months.
The excitement was especially noticeable when previously released tracks played. Guests sang along, moved to the music, and cheered, turning the listening party into a lively celebration of Baraka's latest work. Their reactions offered an early glimpse of how the seven-track project is being received.
Invite-only affair
The event, an invite-only edition of JamSesh Thursdays, was held at Rustic Expeditions in Muyenga. Its exclusive nature began with the invitations: guests received Google Maps directions to the venue rather than having the location widely publicised. Those who made it arrived smartly dressed for an evening of music, networking, and celebration.
The gathering attracted media personalities, musicians, digital influencers, producers, and DJs, alongside Baraka's close friends and fans. Fashion was another highlight, with guests, particularly the ladies, turning up in elegant, trendy, and carefully coordinated outfits. Some of the singer's loyal female supporters, who have followed his journey from his early days, were among those celebrating the milestone, singing along and showing their continued affection for his music.
Located at Village Forest, Rustic Expeditions, known for intimate poetry nights and creative gatherings, took on a different atmosphere, with music, conversations, and Johnnie Walker-themed cocktails setting the mood.
A glimpse of what's next
For Baraka, Recess 2 is an introduction to what comes next. Drawing a comparison to Kendrick Lamar's The Heart series, he explained that the project gives listeners a glimpse into his musical direction ahead of a full-length release.
"Recess 2 is literally a glimpse of what the album is going to be about. It is a teaser," he said.
He released the first Recess in 2023, followed by his debut album, Juvie, in 2024. His next album is still in the works.
Recorded during two music boot camps in Kampala and Nairobi, the EP reflects the regional creative journey that has increasingly shaped his career.
That journey is also central to his partnership with Johnnie Walker. Named the brand's Regional Iconic Walker in September under its Keep Walking platform, Baraka said the partnership reflects his personal and professional growth.
"For me, Keep Walking is what my career has been about. I started with Baby Steps to Juvie. I came from the worst of the worst, and now I'm travelling the world. I feel like Keep Walking and my journey are synonymous," he said.
Before playing the new material, he shared some of the songs that shaped his musical taste, including Maurice Kirya's Mulembe Gwa Kirya, Elly Wamala's Lowoza Kunze, Kirk Franklin's Imagine Me, and Radio and Weasel's Ngenda Maaso.
Recess 2 is now available on major streaming platforms; the listening party also served as a warm-up for his B'rakaland concert scheduled for November 28 at the Hockey Grounds, Lugogo.
The concert will feature a mix of regional and Ugandan performers, including Kenyan singer Bien-Aimé Baraza, Naava Grey, Jenesis Kimera, Expect Xhavi, and Echoled, as Baraka builds momentum towards another major milestone in his career.
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