Joshua Baraka turns a situationship into something real with new single

What the report says

Ugandan singer-songwriter Joshua Baraka has released a new single, “YOYO,” which Sqoop Uganda says is built around the familiar dilemma of an undefined romantic relationship and the choice to make it official. The song frames that shift from uncertainty to commitment as a playful, romantic story about taking a chance on love rather than staying in the “grey area” between friendship and romance.

According to Sqoop Uganda, Baraka sings in English, French, Luganda and Lingala on the track, giving it a cross-cultural sound while reflecting his interest in experimenting with language and style. The outlet also says Baraka wrote and produced the song himself, with additional production from Hendrix Sam. “YOYO” is presented as his second single of 2026 and another preview of his upcoming EP, “Recess 2.”

The release also comes as Baraka prepares to take his music on tour outside Kampala. Sqoop Uganda reports that the tour begins this week in Northern Uganda and will later move through West Nile, Eastern Uganda and Western Uganda. The rollout appears aimed at introducing audiences to the new single and building anticipation for the forthcoming project. In broader context, the song fits into a wider trend in contemporary African pop of blending personal storytelling with regional languages and modern production.