Tiwa Savage and Joshua Baraka's Commando Moves Up to October

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A new link between Nigerian and Ugandan pop is on the way sooner than planned. Ugandan singer Joshua Baraka has confirmed that "Commando", his collaboration with Tiwa Savage , will be released in October rather than in November. Baraka had originally planned to release the song alongside his upcoming project in November. He told fans he had changed his plans after what he described as an overwhelming response to his teasers. How the collaboration came out The song first surfaced through Baraka's own posts on X. According to Lifestyle Uganda and MBU, he teased the project and revealed its title before either artist had formally announced it. MBU reports that he also indicated Savage had recorded her verse and that the song would be dropping soon. Savage then confirmed the rumours herself. In a post on her X account, she thanked Baraka for including her. "Thank you for having me on this one, Joshua," she wrote. Baraka replied by thanking her for her contribution. His decision to bring the release forward followed shortly after. "I'm going to release it in October instead of November with the project," Baraka said, according to Bossip Africa. He also thanked his fans, whom he calls the Natives, for supporting him as he represents Uganda abroad. "Thank you Natives for always giving me the confidence when I walk into a room anywhere in the world," he said. Key facts Song: "Commando" Artists: Joshua Baraka featuring Tiwa Savage Release: brought forward from November to October Exact date: not yet announced Originally planned with Baraka's upcoming project Two markets, one record The pairing brings together two different corners of African pop. Lifestyle Uganda describes it as a meeting of West African and East African music markets: Savage is an established Nigerian singer and songwriter, while Baraka has been building his profile through his own music and through work with artists from across the region. MBU introduces Baraka as the "Nana" singer. Bossip Africa says he has continued to build his profile beyond Uganda, and a feature from one of Nigeria's most recognised female stars is a significant step in that effort. Collaborations like this have become a common way for East African artists to reach Nigerian audiences, and for Nigerian stars to connect with listeners in the region. Regional touring has grown too, as Diamond Platnumz's Kampala show with The Ben showed this year. Where Tiwa Savage is now For Savage, the song arrives during a busy awards season. She earned five nominations at this year's Headies, as we reported in our Headies nominations story . She has also kept an active film and soundtrack profile alongside her music, including the Water & Garri soundtrack . Her catalogue includes albums such as Celia and Water & Garri . "Commando" adds an East African collaboration to that body of work. What we don't know yet Some key details are still missing. Neither artist has given an exact October release date. Lifestyle Uganda notes that the statements available so far did not set a date, and the name and release plans for Baraka's wider project have not been confirmed either. There is also no word yet on a music video, or on whether the two will perform the song together. Fans of both artists are, as MBU puts it, waiting with "huge anticipation". How fans reacted Lifestyle Uganda says Savage's post confirmed earlier speculation about a possible collaboration between the two. MBU, which describes Savage as a Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress, reports that the news was welcomed by fans of both artists. Bossip Africa adds that the pairing brings together artists from different sides of the African music scene, which has raised anticipation for what they have recorded together. For Baraka, the early release is a direct response to that reaction: he said he moved the date because of how strongly fans responded to the teasers. What's next With October already under way, "Commando" should arrive within weeks. Baraka's project is still expected later in the year. Watch both artists' social channels for the release date and cover art, which are likely to be the next pieces of the rollout. Sources: Bossip Africa | Lifestyle Uganda | MBU