Joshua Baraka, the Ugandan singer-songwriter who has quickly risen as one of East Africa’s most compelling young voices, arrived in Kigali Friday afternoon ahead of his anticipated concert at Kigali Universe Complex on August 16. It marks his second performance in Rwanda, following his 2023 appearance at Mundi Center. WATCH: Ugandan singer-songwriter Joshua Baraka is in Kigali for tomorrow’s celebration of Deejay Pius’ 15 years in music. He will be performing alongside Ruti Joel, Alyn Sano, Mike Kayihura, and DJ Marnaud at Kigali Universe complex. : @FrankNtarindwa1 /TNT pic.twitter.com/P3hB6I3nbb — The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) August 15, 2025 The “Wrong Places” hitmaker will perform alongside celebrated Rwandan talents DeeJay Pius, DJ Marnaud, Mike Kayihura, Alyn Sano and Ruti Joel, promising a night that blends voices and sounds across the region. Reflecting on his 15 years in music, DeeJay Pius said the journey has been full of challenges but also of growth. “We’re happy about the progress,” he said. “We’re also happy to have Joshua here in Rwanda because this is about deejaying and singing. I looked at the generation that is pushing music in the right direction, and that is what we are celebrating.” ALSO READ: Why Rwandan music is attracting global artistes Baraka returned the admiration, praising Pius as a pioneer and a unifying figure in the East African scene. “Pius is an amazing person. He is a DJ and someone who has pushed music forward. I’m just happy to celebrate with him after 15 years of music,” he said. The “Nana” star added that he has no plans to alter his style of music, which he described as both authentic and fulfilling. “Unless I feel like it’s something I want to do, that’s when I will change it. For now I’m doing music that I want to make. I’m not really chasing anything or any trend,” he said. Speaking about “Wrong Places,” his breakout single that captivated fans across Africa, Baraka revealed it was born in just a few hours under pressure but still captured his exact vision. At 25, Baraka has already built a career with global reach. Born to a Kenyan father and Rwandan mother, he began his journey in 2021 with his debut EP Baby Steps. The four-track release introduced songs like “Be Me,” “Belinda” and “Tewekweka,” which gained momentum in Uganda’s music scene. His rise to wider fame came in 2023 when “Nana” spread like wildfire across the region. Music, however, has been his lifelong companion. Baraka grew up in a household filled with song, with parents who sang in church and encouraged his talents. He picked up the guitar and piano early, developing the foundation for his artistry. Today he is among Uganda’s most streamed artists, crossing 20 million plays worldwide, collecting nominations from Trace and AFRIMMA, touring Europe as an opener for Bien, and working with Joeboy, Ghetts, JAE5 and FAVE. His selection as a Spotify Africa Radar artist in 2024 sealed his place as one of the continent’s names to watch. Baraka’s personal life has drawn as much curiosity as his music. Since 2022, he has been linked to Ugandan DJ and media personality Etania Mutoni, a rumor he has never confirmed nor denied. Tickets for the Kigali show are available at Rwf15,000 for early birds and Rwf20,000 at the gate. VIP tickets are Rwf25,000 in advance and Rwf30,000 at the gate, while a VIP table for six is Rwf150,000.
