Joshua Baraka Reveals How an 800K Gig Changed His Career Path

Singer Joshua Baraka, known for his hit song “Dalilah,” recently shared in a radio interview how an unexpected gig transformed his career aspirations from engineering to music.

Baraka, who once dreamed of becoming an engineer, described the challenging journey he faced at the beginning. “Life was tough,” he recalled. “I had to get a certificate to qualify for an engineering course at university. I hated going to that school but didn’t want to let down my parents.”

He started playing the piano for a band, earning small amounts of money to support his family while simultaneously pursuing his engineering certificate. Despite his efforts, Baraka struggled with his studies and often felt overwhelmed.

Then came a turning point. “One day, while I was trying to figure out my life, a friend called me about a gig. I was stressed, hungry, and sleeping on the floor,” he said. The gig was for a major corporate event. Expecting to be paid around 150,000 to 200,000 shillings, Baraka was surprised when the organizers asked him to perform for just 10 minutes and then offered him 800,000 shillings.

“I was shocked,” he said. “When I got back home and to school, it hit me. I told my dad it took me 10 minutes to make 800,000 shillings, so he should let me pursue this music thing.”

From that moment on, Baraka dedicated himself to music, spending more time in the studio and performing live gigs. His hard work paid off, and by his second year, he had gained significant recognition in the music industry.

Reflecting on his journey, Baraka said, “We are now carrying the nation on our back, man.” His story highlights the unexpected paths success can take and the importance of following one’s passion.