What Do I Know lyrics by Joshua Baraka is an amazing song by a talented Ugandan professional music composer, songwriter and music producer.
“I said I’ll make it one day but / What do I know? / Nabagamba nja kukikuba but / What do I know?”
First, he says, “I said I’ll make it one day.” Then he switches to his native language, Luganda, and sings, “Nabagamba nja kukikuba.” This translates directly to “I told them I would make it” or “I told them I would succeed.”
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When he was just starting his music career, he promised people around him that he would become a big star. However, people probably doubted him. They likely brushed off his big dreams, acting as if he was naive and did not know how the real world worked.
Now that he has actually achieved his goals, he repeats the question, “What do I know?” to poke fun at those doubters. It is his clever way of saying, “You all thought I was clueless, but look at me now.” It proves that he knew exactly what he was capable of the whole time.
Joshua Baraka helps fans connect with his personal journey. Th song tells us about his humble beginning to musical success. It shows his ambition, faith and top Ugandan artists who paved the way for his music career.
The song opens with a melodic, personal plea in Luganda, asking someone not to leave him in the house alone because he wants to be with them. This sets a grounded, intimate tone before he pivots to his massive ambitions, mentioning how he prays for millions and billions every day.
The First Verse
He reflects on his rise from the bottom to the top. He points out that he and his friends now command respect in the city. Back then, they had no money, only dreams and faith. He emphasizes loyalty, noting that the friends who started with him are still by his side today.
The Chorus
The chorus focuses on the skepticism he faced. People constantly doubted him, asking “What do I know?” even when he promised he would become number one. He compares his struggle and eventual victory to a “young Mandela” and expresses gratitude, wondering how God could bless a sinner like him with such success.
The Second Verse
This verse is a heartfelt tribute to the Ugandan music legends who inspired him. He pays respect to Radio and Weasel, A Pass (Bagonza), Elly Wamala, and Maurice Kirya. He recalls growing up watching their videos and listening to them on the radio every Sunday morning. Now, he celebrates the fact that he is the one playing on the radio, fulfilling his childhood wishes.
The Outro
He repeats his earlier verses and the opening lines, bringing the song full circle. He rejects the idea that “it’s lonely at the top,” proving that success is shared when you keep your true friends close and remember where you came from.
Do you believe in your dream or do you actually want doubters to win? As you listened to Joshua Baraka What Do I Know song, it is time for you to rise up and face your challenges. Life is all about struggles, ups and downs. Don’t allow anyone to distract you from achieving your dreams. I wish you well. Always.
Joshua Baraka – What Do I Know Lyrics
Tondeka mu nnyumba naawe
Njagala kubeera naawe
Tondeka mu nnyumba naawe
Njagala kubeera naawe
Yeah man
Yeye, yeye
Two, three, four, five, six
Seven million
Everyday I pray for billions
Yeye
B’raka B’raka
What you wanna my killy?
Don’t you know we run this city?
Look at us, yes we done did it
Came from bottom to the ceiling
Only had the faith and a feeling
Some of my Gs still with me
Only had the dream not the shillin
Only had the dream not the shillin
I said I’ll make it one day but
What do I know?
Nabagamba nja kukikuba but
What do I know?
Wherever 1 go they say
What do I know?
Even when I made it out they said
What do I know?
Feeling like a young Mandela
What do I know?
All the nights I prayed for dalla
What do I know?
Who knew God could bless a sinner
What do I know?
I said I’ll be number one but
What do I know?
Bread and butter, nakudata
Thank you Radio and Weasel
Used to sing your verses
Now it’s B’raka everybody know
Bagonza Didadada
Used to be my superhero
Elly Wamala used to make me wish
I was born in ’94
Mulembe gwa Kirya anti kwe nakulira
Thank you for the music
Thank you for the videos
Every Sunday morning
Turn on the radio
Now it’s me that’s on
Allow me to thank you all yeah
What you wanna my killy?
Don’t you know we run this city?
Look at us, yes we done did it
Came from bottom to the ceiling
Only had the dream not the shilling
Only had the faith and a feeling
Some of my Gs still with me
It’s not lonely at the top they were lying
I said I’ll make it one day but
What do I know?
Nabagamba nja kukikuba but
What do I know?
Wherever | go they say
What do I know?
Even when I made it out they said
What do I know?
Feeling like a young Mandela
What do I know?
All the nights I prayed for dalla
What do I know?
Who knew God could bless a sinner
What do I know?
I said I’ll be number one but
What do I know?
Feeling like a young Mandela
What do I know?
All the nights I prayed for dalla
What do I know?
Who knew God could bless a sinner
What do I know?
I said I’ll be number one but
What do I know?
Tondeka mu nnyumba naawe
Njagala kubeera naawe
Tondeka mu nnyumba naawe
Njagala kubeera naawe
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