On August 12, Ugandan music icon Bebe Cool hosted a vibrant listening party for his Break the Chains album at Masq London, Restaurant and Bar.
The highly anticipated event drew UK-based media personalities from BBC, Westside Radio, The Beat London, and Represent Radio, alongside a select group of Bebe Cool fans living in the United Kingdom.
The evening was steered by Olamide Grace, a presenter at Represent Radio, who held a lively discussion with Bebe Cool about the inspiration behind the project. According to the artist, the album reflects his determination to break barriers often seen as unattainable for African musicians. “For a long time people have made it seem like Africans should not have ambitions. We were made to believe that some dreams were not for us. This album is me going where most thought we couldn’t go,” he explained.
The Afrobeats-driven album features collaborations with top artists including African Love with Yemi Alade, Games with BBC’s DJ Edu, and Cheque alongside Joshua Baraka. The project has sparked conversations and introduced new audiences to Bebe Cool’s music.
Over 100 Londoners attended the launch, enjoying canapés, drinks, and networking opportunities. But the celebrations didn’t end there. Days later, Bebe Cool joined Jamaican acts Adonia, Sha Simone, Dub Plate, and Shaky P at DJ AG’s popular online street party, streamed live on YouTube and TikTok.
He thrilled the virtual audience with his hit Fire Anthem and performed new tracks such as Hidden Agenda, Circumference, and Cheque. At the close of his set, when asked who he’d like to see on the platform next, Bebe Cool named Jay-Z — a choice that stirred debate among Ugandans who expected him to spotlight a local star.
Defending his pick, Bebe Cool argued that featuring a global icon like Jay-Z could further elevate DJ AG’s platform.
Break the Chains, Bebe Cool’s first album in a decade, was released on May 30 and is available on all major streaming platforms. The project has already taken him on tours across Kenya, Tanzania, and the UK, with more regions on his radar.
