Singer Joshua Baraka has responded to fellow musician King Saha’s advice that he should focus on the local music market rather than pursuing expensive international ambitions, describing such thinking as “shallow.”

Saha recently advised Baraka to prioritise satisfying the Ugandan audience, arguing that pursuing the international market was a long and uncertain journey that might not be worth the effort.

However, Baraka has dismissed the advice, insisting that artists should dare to dream beyond their immediate surroundings and pursue bigger ambitions.

I feel like if Jesus just stayed in Nazareth, he wouldn’t be as heard as he is now. Sometimes you just have to dare to be different. It’s sad that some of the people we are supposed to look up to have very shallow mindsets.

He further likened the difference in their ambitions to ruling different territories, making it clear that he is not content with dominating the local music scene.

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They want to be kings of the pond. Me, I want to be the king of an ocean. I want to be a shark.

Joshua Baraka

This is not the first time King Saha has questioned Baraka’s international aspirations, repeatedly urging him to concentrate on the local market and build a stronger connection with Ugandan music consumers.

Saha has also recently criticised local promoters for bringing international artistes to Uganda, claiming that some of the foreign musicians being booked have lost their relevance. He specifically mentioned Nigerian stars Wizkid and Burna Boy, claiming they had “fallen off” long ago.