Bebe Cool’s Break the Chains album has been ranked the number one music project on the Bebe Cool List 2026, edging out Joshua Baraka’s critically acclaimed album Juvie in a year the veteran artist described as creative but still worrying for Uganda’s music industry.
Releasing the list as 2026 begins, Bebe Cool noted that while 2025 produced bolder and more experimental music than the previous year, the overall quality and consistency of the industry continues to decline. Despite this, a few standout projects managed to rise above the rest.
At the top of the list, Break the Chains was praised for its global sound and bold direction. Bebe Cool said the album’s Afrobeat and Afro-tech influence aligned well with international trends and successfully positioned Ugandan music beyond local borders. He added that releasing a full-length album was a deliberate move to restore the album culture in Uganda.
Songs such as Hidden Agendas, Cheque featuring Joshua Baraka, Home, Motivation, Hips Don’t Lie, and Rectangle Love were cited as key tracks that pushed the project ahead of its competition.
Joshua Baraka’s Juvie finished just behind at number two, with its lead single Wrong Places earning widespread recognition on the global music market. Bebe Cool described Baraka as the strongest young Ugandan artist in terms of international sound, applauding his focus, investment, and willingness to stand alone creatively, even in a trend-driven industry.
Elijah Kitaka emerged as the top local male artist of the year, earning praise for Ekyange, Daily Bundle, and Go Remix featuring Karole Kasita. Bebe Cool said Kitaka’s humility, creativity, fashion sense, and strong management make his global breakthrough only a matter of time.
The list also featured Dax Vybz, Kapeke, Lydia Jazmine, Fyno, Vinka, Ray G, Uncle Chumi, Sheebah Karungi, and Tracy Melon, alongside notable collaborations led by See You Tonight by Cindy Sanyu and Omega 256.
In his concluding remarks, Bebe Cool expressed concern over what he called a steady decline in the industry since 2022, blaming laziness, low confidence, excuses, and drug abuse among artists. He urged musicians to look beyond the local market and take advantage of today’s expanded platforms, technology, and government support.
“I mean no disrespect,” he said, “only a call to raise the bar.”
He congratulated all artists who made the Bebe Cool List 2026 and challenged the industry to do better in the year ahead.
