Uganda: Bebe Cool shares new album Break the Chains

The album follows the release of the ‘Motivation’ single in February and features rich melodies and genre-bending compositions that reflect his artistic evolution, while staying true to the signature style that established him as a star. Break the Chains features high-profile collaborations, including ‘African Love’ with Nigerian Afro-pop sensation Yemi Alade, ‘Cheque’ featuring rising Ugandan star Joshua Baraka and ‘Games’ with international Kenyan DJ and producer DJ Edu.

“This is the beginning of a new journey for both African and Ugandan music,” Bebe Cool said. “With this album, I want to inspire, innovate, and demonstrate that African artists can tell powerful stories while owning our digital space.”

This 17-track body of work marks a bold and refreshing chapter in Bebe Cool’s acclaimed career. Renowned for shaping the modern Ugandan sound and pioneering East Africa’s contemporary musical identity, the artist blends Afrobeats, Afropop, Afrotech and Afro-house across the album, all anchored by his distinctive voice and emotive delivery.

The album’s lead single, ‘Circumference’, produced by Nigerian hitmaker PhilKeyz, introduces a playful, sonically rich anthem that combines Afrobeat rhythms with Bebe Cool’s dynamic energy. The follow-up single, ‘Motivation’, produced by Bushington and Melanin Boy, showcases a more romantic and introspective tone. The song is accompanied by a cinematic music video directed by South African filmmaker Garrick Williams.

Bebe Cool’s musical journey has always been characterised by reinvention. From his early beginnings in Nairobi as one of the first artists signed to Ogopa Deejays, to his acclaimed run with Necessary Noize as part of the award-winning East African Bashment Crew, he has consistently pushed creative boundaries. Tracks such as Africa Unite and Fire Anthem helped define a generation of African music fans.

Now, with Break the Chains, Bebe Cool builds upon this legacy, bridging cultures, genres, and generations. The album offers a compelling mix of high-energy dance tracks, heartfelt love songs and thoughtful reflections on identity and resilience. From booming Afrotech beats to tender Afro-pop ballads, this project is a celebration of sound, culture, and artistic freedom.

Bebe Cool is one of Uganda’s most iconic and influential musicians, celebrated for his unique fusion of reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeats. With a career spanning over two decades, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s contemporary music scene and continues to impact the broader East African music landscape. His past albums include Maisha (2004), Fitina (2001), and Go Mama (2015).

Throughout his career, Bebe Cool has collaborated with numerous regional and international artists and has received over 20 awards. Beyond music, he is a dedicated philanthropist and currently serves as Uganda’s Tuberculosis Ambassador, raising national awareness about the disease. His remix of Philly Lutaaya’s ‘Born in Africa’ was ranked #15 by the BBC during the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Organisation of African Unity, cementing his status as a true African music legend.