Baraka vs Kenzo: Fans Battle Over Uganda’s Global Music King
A heated debate is sweeping through Uganda’s music scene as fans compare the rising success of Joshua Baraka with the established global legacy of Eddy Kenzo.
The conversation gained traction after a fan pointed out that, despite Baraka’s growing list of international collaborations with stars like Shenseea and Joeboy, he has yet to match Kenzo’s historic 2015 BET Award win for his hit song “Sitya Loss,” a moment that still stands as a major milestone in Uganda’s global music journey.
Supporters of Baraka, however, argue that the young artiste is carving his own path, pointing to his steady rise, including topping East African Spotify charts and amassing around 1.7 million monthly listeners.
His hit track “Morocco,” along with street performances in London, has further boosted his international visibility.
Still, Kenzo’s loyal fan base maintains that his influence goes beyond numbers, crediting him as a trailblazer who opened global doors for Ugandan artistes.
As Baraka continues to gain ground, industry observers say his recent milestones, including a MOBO Awards nomination and international tours, suggest he could be on course to building a lasting global presence.
As the debate intensifies, one thing remains clear: Uganda’s music industry is evolving, and a new generation is stepping up to challenge the pioneers who first put the country on the world stage.
