This Time

Ugandan star Joshua Baraka continues to prove why he’s one of East Africa’s most exciting young voices with “This Time,” a heartfelt collaboration with Grammy-winning producer JAE5. The emotional Afro-R&B anthem blends vulnerability, soulful melodies, and polished production into one of the standout records from Baraka’s Juvie era. From the very first line, “This Time” carries a heavy emotional weight. Joshua Baraka opens up about heartbreak, regret, and wanting another chance at love, delivering lyrics that feel painfully honest. The chorus — centered around apologizing for breaking someone’s heart and promising to “do better this time” — instantly connects with listeners who have experienced love slipping away. What makes the record even stronger is JAE5’s production. Known globally for shaping Afro-fusion hits with artists like Burna Boy and Dave, JAE5 gives “This Time” a warm, cinematic sound filled with smooth percussion, soft keys, and emotional depth. The production leaves enough space for Joshua’s vocals to shine while still carrying a global Afrobeat feel. “This Time” also highlights Joshua Baraka’s growth as an artist. Over the last few years, he has evolved from a rising Ugandan talent into an international Afro-pop voice capable of blending local emotion with worldwide appeal. His ability to switch between English and Luganda adds authenticity and intimacy to the song, making it relatable both at home and abroad. The song has already gained strong streaming momentum and chart attention, becoming one of the standout tracks connected to the Juvie project. It has appeared among popular Afrobeat playlists and even climbed music rankings in Uganda. “This Time” isn’t just another Afrobeat collaboration — it’s a vulnerable conversation about love, mistakes, and emotional maturity. Joshua Baraka and JAE5 manage to create a record that feels personal, modern, and timeless all at once.Jae5 Brings Global Energy to “This Time” With Joshua Baraka “This Time” is another major statement from Ugandan star Joshua Baraka, but the magic behind the song is elevated by the unmistakable production touch of Jae5. Known for shaping the modern Afroswing and Afro-fusion sound, Jae5 brings a polished international vibe that perfectly blends with Baraka’s emotional vocals and storytelling. The track, released as part of Joshua Baraka’s Juvie project in late 2025, delivers smooth Afro-R&B melodies layered over rhythmic percussion and atmospheric production. Jae5’s signature sound gives “This Time” a clean and cinematic feel, making the song both intimate and globally appealing. Jae5 has already built a reputation as one of the most influential producers connecting African sounds with UK and global music culture. From producing hits for J Hus, Burna Boy, Dave, and Rema, to helping pioneer Afroswing, his collaboration with Joshua Baraka shows how East African talent is increasingly entering worldwide conversations. On “This Time,” the chemistry feels natural. Joshua Baraka’s soulful delivery rides effortlessly over Jae5’s layered instrumentation, creating a track that speaks about love, vulnerability, and emotional timing. The production never overpowers the vocals — instead, it creates space for the emotions to breathe while still keeping listeners locked into the groove. The collaboration also continues the growing creative relationship between the two artists. Jae5 previously worked with Joshua Baraka on songs like “Dive In,” another smooth Afro-fusion record that introduced fans to their musical synergy. For Joshua Baraka, working with a producer of Jae5’s caliber signals his rising international profile. For Jae5, “This Time” proves once again that he understands how to adapt his sound across different African scenes while maintaining world-class quality. Together, they deliver a record that feels modern, emotional, and ready for global playlists. Twitter@wigwagafrica Facebook@wigwagafrica TikTok@wigwagafrica Instagram@wigwagafrica