In an exclusive interview with UK-based Nigerian media personality DJ Edu on BBC’s This is Africa podcast, renowned Ugandan artist Bebe Cool shared his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of East Africa’s most influential musicians.
The conversation delved into his early days in the music industry, the hardships he faced, and his unbreakable spirit, which helped him overcome life-threatening situations.
Bebe Cool’s story began in Kenya, where he moved in search of opportunity. After struggling to meet the famous producer Ted Josiah, a chance encounter with a man named Mohammed, who owned a private studio, set the stage for his musical career.
With nothing but a CD of eleven instrumentals, Bebe Cool freestyled for Mohammed, who saw potential in him and encouraged him to pursue his craft. It wasn’t long before Bebe Cool met Lucas Bikedo, one of the founders of the legendary Ogopa Deejays, and his rise to prominence in the Kenyan music scene began.
His career hit new heights after joining forces with artists like Redsan and Jose Chameleone to form the first Bashment Crew. Bebe Cool’s music, especially his collaborations with Necessary Noize’s Nazizi and Wyre, brought a fresh sound to Kenyan audiences, with songs like Fire Anthem, Combination, and Africa Unite taking the country by storm.
However, it wasn’t just musical triumphs that defined his journey. Bebe Cool has also faced unimaginable adversity. He opened up about the day he was shot by a police officer during a confrontation involving the Good Lyfe artists. While approaching the scene with friends, the officer, assuming Bebe Cool and his crew were there to intervene, opened fire, injuring five people. Bebe Cool was left in a wheelchair for nearly a year, undergoing surgery to recover.
Despite the trauma, he chose not to seek therapy, instead turning the experience into a source of strength. Later, he survived a bombing incident at Kyadondo Rugby Club, where he had performed at a World Cup viewing party. Despite the horrors he endured, Bebe Cool’s resilience has made him a stronger person.
As he continues to evolve as an artist, Bebe Cool’s latest album, Break the Chains, signals a new chapter in his career. Embracing the global dominance of Afrobeats, Bebe Cool sees the genre as a way to put Uganda on the world map and connect with audiences around the globe.
Through it all, his strength, perseverance, and commitment to his craft have solidified his place in the music industry and in the hearts of his fans.
