Ugandan musician and political activist Bobi Wine delivers a powerful message in his latest single, “Third Time Lucky,” a reggae-driven track that blends infectious rhythms with politically charged lyrics. True to his reputation for using music as a platform for activism, Wine continues to confront Uganda’s political establishment, advocating for democracy and human rights. The song’s title hints at his ongoing resistance against President Yoweri Museveni’s prolonged rule, reflecting his unwavering commitment to change despite repeated political setbacks.

Born Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, Bobi Wine emerged from the Kamwookya slums of Kampala to become one of East Africa’s most influential artists. Rising to fame in the early 2000s with hits like “Akagoma,” “Funtula,” and “Sunda,” he developed a signature sound blending reggae, dancehall, and afrobeats. While his early career was dominated by party anthems, his music gradually took on a more political edge, addressing poverty, corruption, and social injustice. This transition earned him the nickname “Ghetto President,” as he became a voice for Uganda’s marginalised communities.

Recorded in Kampala in February, “Third Time Lucky” is a call for Africa’s third liberation, with a particular focus on the arrest and military trial of Ugandan opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye. Co-written by Robin Auld and Greg Mills and mixed by Paddyman, the song amplifies international appeals for Besigye’s release. The track features statements from global political figures, including Nobel laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, former heads of state Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Andrés Pastrana, Martin Torrijos, and Ian Khama, as well as opposition leaders and activists from Africa, Latin America, and Europe. With its steady reggae pulse and urgent lyrical themes, “Third Time Lucky” reinforces Wine’s role as both an artist and a political force, using music to rally global support for democratic movements.