TAKEAWAYS

• Lydia Jazmine says Joshua Baraka should be appreciated, not criticized, for opening international doors.
• She urged musicians to embrace collaboration over rivalry in today’s digital music era.

• Her comments follow Azawi’s controversial Galaxy FM remarks, which later sparked clarification.

Ugandan singer Lydia Jazmine has spoken out against fellow musicians and fans who have spent the past few days comparing and criticizing Joshua Baraka, saying the fast-rising star deserves appreciation rather than constant attacks.

Jazmine’s comments come after the online debate sparked by remarks made by Azawi during a radio interview, where the Swangz Avenue singer suggested she could beat Baraka in a musical battle outside Kampala, implying his appeal is largely urban. The statement quickly triggered mixed reactions online, with many weighing in on who stands stronger musically.

However, Jazmine says the bigger issue should not be competition, but recognizing what Baraka is doing for Ugandan music on the international stage.

“When Joshua Baraka opens the international door, it is not only for himself, but for every Ugandan musician and Uganda at large. We should appreciate that instead of tearing him apart.”

The “Masuuka” singer emphasized that this generation of artistes should focus more on unity, collaboration, and collective growth than rivalry.

She noted that while past generations of musicians such as Bebe Cool, Bobi Wine, and Jose Chameleone thrived in an era of musical battles and open rivalries, today’s digital age requires a different mindset.

“This is the era for collaborations, not fights. Social media has changed everything, and if we work together, we can push Ugandan music much further.”

Jazmine went on to point at countries like Nigeria, saying their music industry has grown stronger because artistes often support one another both in music and beyond it.

According to her, Ugandan musicians should learn to celebrate each other’s wins while they are still alive and active, instead of waiting until success becomes impossible to ignore.

She added that Baraka’s international breakthroughs should be seen as a victory for the entire industry, especially at a time when Ugandan music is pushing for more continental and global recognition.

Her remarks also come after Azawi later clarified that the controversial comments were taken out of context during the Galaxy FM interview, saying she had been “set up” by the nature of the question.

Still, Jazmine says the entire comparison narrative around Baraka has been frustrating, insisting that the focus should remain on lifting one another up and aiming higher as an industry.