Joshua Baraka on Morocco’s Respect for Creatives and What Uganda Can Learn

Following his performance at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Fan Zone in Marrakesh on December 20, Joshua Baraka shared what he learned about how creatives are treated in Morocco.

During a sit down with Ugandan sports journalist Peter Tabu, the singer praised the organisation and hospitality shown to artistes.

He noted that it was a stark contrast to what many creatives experience back home.

There is a lot to learn, first of all, from how we have been handled as the artistes who have come to perform. How we have been handled has been amazing. We have had a great handler… She has really done us well. From the flights and the logistics to where we are staying, everything has been really smooth and really nice. Everyone has been hospitable.

Joshua said the careful planning allowed artistes to focus on their performances without worrying about travel or logistics.

He also highlighted the respect shown to creatives as a major lesson for Uganda’s entertainment industry.

I think there is a lot to learn in terms of how artistes are treated, and how creatives are treated in general, because everything has just been smooth. I think there is a learning point there, and also just how creatives are interacted with here. They are respected… they are just not helping us. I think that is a growth point for Uganda.

He added that, back home, creatives are often treated as an afterthought rather than as central contributors to major events.

A practice he strongly disapproves of.

There are a lot of people who feel creatives are an extra to whatever is going on, although I think they play a big role in whatever is going on.

The “Wrong Places” star concluded by calling for greater appreciation of Uganda’s entire creative industry.

Not just musicians, but dancers, TikTokers, and influencers. They play a really big role in whatever is going on, and they should be treated with the respect that they deserve.