By Our Reporter
Ugandan music legend Bebe Cool, real name Moses Ssali, believes East Africa holds massive untapped potential to dominate the global music industry—if only the region unites. Currently on an East African media tour promoting his new 16-track album Break The Chains, Bebe Cool is calling on artists and fans alike to break down national borders and collaborate regionally.
While appearing on NTV Kenya’s show The Trend with Amina Abdul, the “Motivation” singer emphasized the power of numbers across the region.
“East African states, combined, have a total population close to 500 million. If just 10% of that supported our music consistently, artists like Diamond or Bebe Cool could have 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify. We wouldn’t have to chase Coachella—Coachella would come to us,” he said.
He pointed out that countries like Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and the DRC have enough people, talent, and media muscle to shape Africa’s cultural identity if they work together.
In Dar es Salaam, where he launched the Tanzanian leg of his tour on July 7, Bebe was received warmly by media and fans. Speaking at a press conference hosted by Wasafi’s Lil Ommy, he reminded journalists of a golden era—between the 1980s and early 2000s—when East Africa led the continent in music, film, and literature.
“Back then, Nairobi and Kampala were the go-to party capitals. Big Jamaican stars, American rappers, even Hollywood film crews were choosing East Africa,” he recalled.
He credited his breakthrough to moving to Nairobi early in his career, alongside fellow Ugandan star Jose Chameleone. He said many hits from Uganda in the early 2000s, like Peter Miles’ One Time, were born in Kenya.
Bebe also paid tribute to his successful collaboration with Kenyan group Necessary Noize, which led to the formation of the East African Bashment Crew (EABC). Together, they created hits like Fire Anthem and Kube, winning Channel O awards and touring the world as cultural ambassadors for the region.
Nazizi and Wyre, members of EABC, praised Bebe Cool for helping build regional bridges.
“Bebe introduced us to Uganda. In return, we introduced him to our Kenyan fanbase,” Wyre said.
Bebe Cool believes the regional momentum slowed because artists became comfortable at home and stopped pushing boundaries.
“We need to reawaken the spirit of collaboration. Tanzanian artists should do press tours in Kampala. Kenyans should visit Rwanda. Ugandans should be in DRC and South Sudan. Let’s work with producers, media houses, and each other,” he urged.
When asked if East Africa has international stars, Bebe responded with confidence:
“Of course! Diamond, Zuchu, Harmonize, Alikiba, Joshua Baraka, Bien—they’re all international. They’ve earned it.”
His new album Break The Chains reflects the pan-African dream he promotes, blending Afrobeats, Afropop, Afrotech, and Afro-house. It features collaborations with Nigerian powerhouse Yemi Alade (African Love), Ugandan rising star Joshua Baraka (Cheque), and UK-based Kenyan DJ Edu (Games).
With a renewed call for unity and a powerful album in hand, Bebe Cool is not just promoting music—he’s campaigning for a cultural renaissance.
