Bebe Cool isn’t your average Ugandan star—he’s a survivor, a fighter, and a bona fide music maverick. In an exclusive BBC podcast interview on This is Africa with DJ Edu, the Afrobeats sensation bares all about his turbulent past and how life’s most perilous moments have only forged him into a stronger man.
Before the glitter and global acclaim, Bebe Cool’s journey began on the rough roads of Kenya. Chasing his dreams, he knocked on the door of a private studio after a tip-off from a well-meaning stranger. “I told him I sing, and he said, ‘Go find a producer and come record,’” Bebe recalls. That fateful meeting led him to cross paths with Lucas Bikedo of the iconic Ogopa Deejays—igniting a spark that would soon set the music scene ablaze. With electrifying singles like Circumference and Motivation already making waves, his star was only set to rise higher.
But Bebe’s story isn’t just about chart-topping hits and record deals. It’s also about life-or-death encounters that would test anyone’s spirit. During a chaotic confrontation between artists and the police, a stray bullet shattered the night. “I sent my man to talk it out, but the officer didn’t hesitate—he opened fire. It was traumatic; five people were injured,” Bebe reveals. The incident left him wheelchair-bound for almost a year after surgery, marking one of the darkest chapters in his life.
Yet, if bullets weren’t enough, fate had more in store. A few months later, bombs rocked the Kyadondo Rugby Club during a World Cup viewing party where Bebe was performing. Despite the devastation, he emerged from the rubble with a resolve hardened by fire. “I didn’t get any therapy after that—our country wasn’t at that level yet. I said, ‘Let me use this and become a stronger person,’ and yes, they made me a stronger person at heart,” he states.
Now back on his feet and rocking the stage, Bebe Cool’s new album Break the Chains is a testament to his indomitable spirit. Embracing Afrobeats—the global sound that’s captivating the world—Bebe is on a mission to sell Uganda to the world, mixing catchy beats with a message of hope and resilience. His explosive collaborations with the Necessary Noize duo, Nazizi and Wyre, have produced unforgettable tracks like Fire Anthe, Combination, and Africa Unite—tracks that have redefined the Kenyan music scene.
Fresh off his Motivation Week launch, Bebe Cool’s story is one of relentless drive, transcending borders and defying expectations. From living with a security guard in his early days to joining forces with music legends like Redsan and Jose Chameleone in the pioneering Bashment Crew, his journey is as unpredictable as it is inspirational.
Bebe Cool’s raw honesty on surviving bullets and bombs reminds us that sometimes the harshest trials carve out the deepest reservoirs of strength. His music is more than entertainment—it’s a living, pulsating reminder that every scar tells a story, and every beat is a victory.
For the full, heart-pounding interview, tune in on the BBC podcast This is Africa with DJ Edu.
Listen to the full interview here
Bebe Cool proves that when life throws bullets and bombs your way, you have two choices: crumble or break the chains. And this legend? He chose to rise.
