Joshua Baraka Breaks Down JUVIE

Ugandan singer Joshua Baraka has opened up about his latest album, JUVIE, a deeply personal project that reflects the realities of young adulthood, love and self-discovery.

Appearing on the Big Conversation, the artiste explained that the album title short for juvenile, captures the emotional and psychological space of being young, ambitious and still figuring life out.

“It’s about being a young adult. My views on life, love, mistakes and growth,” he said.

JUVIE features 10 songs and two interludes, with each track drawing from lived experiences rather than fictional storytelling.

From ONE OF ONE, an opening track focused on confidence and self-belief, to STILL YOUNG, which embraces mistakes as part of growth, Baraka says the album mirrors conversations many young people are afraid to have openly.

One of the standout songs, THIS TIME, explores vulnerability in relationships, acknowledging failure while asking for another chance.

During the interview, Baraka offered a thoughtful take on modern relationships, describing love as an emotion and relationships as the structure that sustains it.

Tracks like STATE OF MY HEART and DIVE FURTHER explore intimacy, fear and emotional risk, while SORRY and WRONG PLACES reflect accountability and personal growth.

Baraka credited his upbringing for shaping his artistic path, revealing that music was always encouraged at home. His mother, a church worship leader, played a key role in introducing him to music early on.

“Music has always been a part of my life,” he said. “From church to home, we were always singing.”

One of the album’s interludes features a voice note from his mother, offering advice on contentment and happiness. An emotional pause that grounds the project.

The album was executive-produced by JAE5, with whom Baraka worked closely while spending time in London to complete the project.

He describes the collaboration as organic, built on mutual respect rather than industry pressure.

With JUVIE gaining attention across regions, Baraka says his focus remains on authenticity rather than trends.