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Happy New Year 2026! Oh Wait….
It looks like 2025 is not over yet, even if 2026 is just four days away, as Ugandan music sensation Joshua Baraka teams up with Moroccan-American rap heavyweight French Montana for a remix of Baraka’s viral hit “Morocco.”
What Ignited the Buzz Around This Potential Hit Remix?
The collaboration traces back to a lively exchange on X, where fans and influencers urged French Montana to link up with Joshua Baraka during the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco. This sparked a chain reaction, including a heartfelt reply from a Ugandan user on December 25, referencing Montana’s past role in spotlighting Uganda and pleading for a repeat with Baraka. Montana, who was already in Morocco contributing to the tournament’s musical lineup, confirmed his involvement on December 27 with a post declaring his verse complete, accompanied by Ugandan and Moroccan flags. The timing aligns perfectly with Baraka’s performances at AFCON fan zones and the tournament’s festive atmosphere.
Who Is French Montana, and What Are His Deep Connections to Africa?
French Montana, born Karim Kharbouch on November 9, 1984, in Casablanca, Morocco, is a Moroccan-American rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur who has become a global force in hip-hop. Raised in Morocco until age 13, when he immigrated to New York City with his family seeking better opportunities, Montana’s early life was marked by cultural immersion in Moroccan traditions and the challenges of adapting to urban America.
He began his career as a battle rapper in the early 2000s, founding Cocaine City Records and releasing a series of street DVDs that documented New York’s underground scene. His breakthrough came with hits like “Pop That” in 2012 and “Unforgettable” in 2017, the latter featuring Swae Lee and famously filmed in Uganda with the Triplets Ghetto Kids dance group, which went triple platinum and amassed over 1.8 billion YouTube views.
This track not only elevated Montana’s profile but also shone a spotlight on East African talent, earning him lasting affection in Uganda—evident in fans’ recent pleas for him to put the country on the map again. Montana’s African roots remain central; he has collaborated with artists like Davido on AFCON’s 2025 official soundtrack and frequently returns to Morocco. With a net worth estimated in the tens of millions, Montana’s journey from immigrant hustler to philanthropist, including aid for Moroccan earthquake victims, embodies resilience and cross-cultural bridge-building.
How Has Joshua Baraka Skyrocketed to Global Fame?
Joshua Baraka, the 23-year-old Ugandan singer-songwriter hailing from Kampala, has carved a meteoric path in the music industry since bursting onto the scene in 2023 with his breakout single “Nana,” which exploded on TikTok and amassed millions of streams worldwide. Blending Afrobeats, R&B, and soulful melodies, Baraka’s fresh sound quickly resonated beyond Uganda’s borders, earning him spots on international playlists and collaborations with artists like Simi and Qing Madi.
His debut album “Juvie,” released in late 2025, showcases his evolution, with tracks like “Wrong Places,” “Dive In,” and “Alone” reflecting personal growth and vulnerability. Baraka’s rise is rooted in authenticity; in interviews, he discusses navigating fame’s pressures while staying grounded, drawing from diverse influences like Alien Skin and Dr. Tumi. Tours across Africa and Europe, coupled with his AFCON 2025 performances—including at the Tunisia vs. Uganda match—have solidified his status as East Africa’s next global export, with fans and critics alike hailing him as a welcome freshness to urban music.
Why Is ‘Morocco’ Exploding in Popularity Right Now?
Joshua Baraka’s “Morocco,” a collaboration with Ugandan producer Axon from his “Juvie” album, has become an anthem of cross-cultural connection, blending Ugandan rhythms with North African vibes in a soulful ode to longing and place. Released on December 3, 2025, the track has racked up over 717,000 YouTube views in weeks, going viral on TikTok with dance challenges and remixes that link Uganda to Morocco.
Its timing is impeccable, coinciding with AFCON 2025 hosted in Morocco, where Baraka performed it live, drawing praise from football legend Rio Ferdinand and sparking global conversations about African unity. Critics compare its energy to Wizkid’s hits, calling it proof that when a song is made right, it can break borders. French Montana’s reaction and subsequent remix verse have amplified its reach, turning it into a symbol of East-West African synergy amid the tournament’s excitement.
As AFCON continues and the new year approaches, this remix could be the soundtrack that carries Ugandan music even further onto the world stage. Fans are eagerly awaiting the full release, which might just make 2026 start with a bang.
John Kenny Adeya is a senior entertainment correspondent for Kampala Edge Times, covering East African music and culture.
