TAKEAWAYS

• Joshua Baraka says he doesn’t mind comparisons between himself and established artists like Eddy Kenzo.
• He praises Eddy Kenzo’s impact, recalling how his BET win inspired many Ugandan artists, including himself.
• Joshua urges people to celebrate achievements instead of using comparisons to make one artist’s success appear smaller.

Ugandan singer Joshua Baraka has weighed in on comparisons between him and established artists such as Eddy Kenzo, particularly following his performances on major international stages like Afro Nation.

Joshua acknowledged that he has seen the comparisons, but said he does not pay much attention to them. According to him, ordinary music lovers are usually happy to see Ugandan artists making progress, while some media personalities are the ones who create narratives that pit artists against each other.

“The common person will listen to your music, support you and they’re genuinely happy for you, but it’s media people who always try to run particular narratives,” he said.

Joshua also made it clear that he is a big fan of Eddy Kenzo and respects the impact he has had on Uganda’s music industry. He noted that Kenzo’s achievements have inspired many young artists, including himself.

“I remember when he won the BET. He came back and we all couldn’t believe it that there’s a Ugandan who could go on an international stage and come back with an award,” he recalled.

He added that Kenzo’s accomplishments, including his recent Grammy nomination, should be celebrated as milestones for the Ugandan music industry rather than used as reasons to compare different artists.

“Let’s try to be serious and positive. Let’s not compare but rather hold everyone on their standard,” Joshua said.

The singer explained that artists should be appreciated for their achievements, while those who make mistakes should be advised accordingly. He believes that constantly comparing artists only creates unnecessary competition and can take away from individual accomplishments.

Joshua further urged fans and people on the internet to stop using one artist’s achievements to make another artist’s success appear smaller.

“I feel like most people don’t even do it out of a good heart. Most people on the internet are simply bored,” he concluded.