Who saw this coming? Music queen Juliana Kanyomozi has broken her usual cool composure to publicly heap praise on longtime frenemy Bebe Cool, calling his upcoming album “the best a Ugandan album has ever sounded.”
Yes, you read that right.
In a video released Monday, Juliana—who’s notoriously selective with her endorsements—gushed after an exclusive listening session of Break the Chains, Bebe’s long-awaited album set to drop Friday, May 30.
“This is the first time we are hearing a Ugandan album sounding this good, sounding really international,” she said, visibly impressed. “It’s a different Bebe Cool… you hear growth, you hear intent.”
Now that’s not just a compliment, that’s a full-blown coronation.
The album, already stirring debate for its genre-bending direction, has released two singles—Circumference and Motivation—both of which have trended across Uganda since December. But Home, a yet-to-be-released track featuring lush strings by legendary guitarist Myko Ouma, has apparently stolen Juliana’s heart.
“It’s my favorite on the album,” she added, hinting that it echoes the romantic feel of Bebe’s 2014 classic Love You Everyday.
Juliana didn’t hold back on the mutual respect she shares with Bebe Cool. “We’ve grown up together in this industry,” she said. “He’s earned this. His versatility is something I admire.”
And if you think this is just polite industry chatter—think again. Sources close to the production say Break the Chains is Bebe Cool’s most ambitious work yet, produced by Nigeria’s Philkeys, and aimed at reshaping his identity not just in Uganda, but across the continent.
A New Bebe?
Let’s be honest—Bebe Cool isn’t exactly known for playing it safe, but this album might be his boldest pivot yet. The title Break the Chains alone screams reinvention, and early reactions from insiders say the album leans less on dancehall and more on Afro-pop fusion, international flair, and personal storytelling.
One source close to the production claims, “He’s done with formula hits. This is about legacy.”
If true, this could be a career-defining moment for the Gagamel boss—and the co-sign from Juliana only adds fuel to the fire.
So is Uganda ready for this “different Bebe Cool”? If Juliana’s word is anything to go by, we’re not just ready—we’ve been waiting.
Break the Chains lands on Spotify, Tidal, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Boomplay, and more on May 30. Buckle up.
