Championed by Spotify as one of their RADAR artists this year, ‘RECESS’ (which features KiDi and Bensoul) cements Baraka’s place as Uganda’s biggest musical export and one of the continent’s most talked about newcomers.
One of East Africa’s most prodigious talents, the hotly-tipped singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joshua Baraka, championed this year by Spotify RADAR Africa, is set to drop his new mixtape RECESS via MOVES Recordings on December 6th.
The seven-track tape spans R&B, Afropop, and more, featuring Kenyan singer Bensoul (400k+ monthly listeners) and production by the acclaimed P Priime, known for his work with Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Fireboy DML. P Priime draws on iconic 90s R&B beats, blending them with Baraka’s afro-soul style to create a fresh, innovative sound on RECESS.
The artwork reflects the multi-faceted nature of Joshua Baraka AKA B’RAKA’s artistry. Inspired by his travels this year to cities like London, Amsterdam, Lagos, Nairobi, and his home city Kampala, B’Raka fuses diverse sonic elements with his R&B roots to produce an eclectic yet succinct mixtape that highlights his musical progression and songwriting talents.
At just 22, Baraka is one of Uganda’s biggest stars. His R&B-leaning Afropop sound has gained him 460K monthly Spotify listeners, over 20 million streams, and top-tier features with Fave, DJ Neptune, Mr Tee, and Tenorboy. He’s also collaborated with Nigerian stars Simi, Joeboy, and Magixx. In October, Joshua played his debut UK headline show to a sold-out crowd at London’s Amazing Grace, leaving fans eager for his return.
A standout track on RECESS is ‘Someday’, a collaboration with KiDi, Ghana’s “Golden Boy,” released November 29th. Atmospheric and soulful, the track reflects on “moving on” and accepting “opportunities you’ve lost.” Another highlight, October’s single ‘Lonely,’ drenched in Baraka’s sweet melodies, draws on nostalgic 90s R&B influences while showcasing his artistry. Baraka explains: “In a time where Afrobeats dominates, I wanted to show an African approach to R&B and its diversity.”
Don’t miss RECESS, the hot new mixtape from Joshua Baraka, dropping December 6th via MOVES Recordings.
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RECESS Tracklist:
- Scared
- Nanccy
- Someday Ft. KiDi
- Lonely
- Down
- Desire
- Magnetic Ft. Bensoul
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