Musician Omukenkufu Shaman UG has questioned Joshua Baraka’s ability to attract a full house at Lugogo Cricket Oval, arguing that the singer’s use of English limits his appeal among Ugandan music fans.
Shaman said Baraka would struggle to fill the venue because many local audiences prefer music performed in Luganda.
“Joshua Baraka has no audience in Uganda, he cannot even fill Lugogo. He uses English and Ugandans, we want Luganda not English, so he cannot fill Lugogo just as he cannot compete on local market,” Shaman said.
His remarks have reignited debate about the role of language in Uganda’s music industry, particularly whether singing in local languages gives artists an advantage when mobilising audiences for major concerts.
While several Ugandan musicians have built substantial followings through songs performed in Luganda, Baraka has pursued a largely English-language catalogue, attracting listeners both locally and internationally.
The singer has gained international attention through songs such as Nana and Wrong Places, expanding his reach beyond Uganda.
However, Shaman questioned whether that international recognition would translate into the numbers required to fill Lugogo Cricket Oval, one of the venues used for major entertainment events in Kampala.
Shaman did not provide audience figures or other evidence to support his claim that Baraka could not fill the venue.
Whether language alone determines an artist’s ability to attract a large concert audience remains contested, particularly as Ugandan musicians increasingly target audiences across different linguistic and geographical markets.
Baraka’s ability to draw a crowd at Lugogo would ultimately be measured by ticket sales and attendance rather than the language in which he performs.
