Bebe Cool
Veteran singer Moses Ssali, popularly known as Bebe Cool, has called on the Ugandan government to dedicate at least USD 8 million (approximately Shs25 billion) annually towards promoting four local musicians on the international stage. The singer made the remarks during a press conference in Ntungamo ahead of his performance at the Coffee Marathon music gig, which featured top regional acts.
Bebe Cool proposed that each year, the government selects four artists—two male and two female—and supports them with a minimum of USD 1 million each, creating a structured and deliberate pathway for Ugandan talent to break into global music markets.
“The government should aim at supporting four artists each year. That is only USD 8M every year, which is less than UGX 25 billion to push those four artists to the rest of the world. The United Kingdom is doing that,” Bebe Cool said, referencing how state-supported cultural funding in countries like the UK and Tanzania has yielded substantial returns through music exports.
Bebe Cool argued that while Ugandan artists have the talent and potential, breaking through internationally requires intentional investment in branding, production, global collaborations, distribution, and touring—expenses that are often out of reach for most musicians.
Adding weight to Bebe’s proposal was Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz, who echoed the call for state-backed investment in music. The celebrated East African hitmaker, who also performed at the marathon gig, pointed out that funding artists creates significant economic ripple effects.
“When you invest in artists, it’s not just about the music—it’s about the people they carry with them. I came here with 24 people. That’s 24 families. If you invest that money, it helps a lot of people, and those people later double that money,” Diamond said. “As the government invests in infrastructure and other sectors, musicians too need to be seen as serious contributors to the economy.”
The debate around cultural investment is not new in Uganda, but Bebe Cool’s direct proposal—with clear figures and structure—has added a fresh sense of urgency to the conversation. The music industry in Uganda remains largely self-funded, with few formal structures for export-ready talent support, despite increasing global interest in African music.
Meanwhile, ahead of his “Break the Chains” album release slated for today, Thursday May 29,2025, Bebe Cool received a nod of support from Nigerian media personality Adesope Olajide, who confirmed his attendance at the event. Olajide, known for his influential platform that showcases African talent to global audiences, praised the album’s message and hinted at more international visibility for Ugandan music if such projects are well-supported.
As the regional music landscape grows increasingly competitive and interconnected, Bebe Cool’s call may signal a pivotal moment for Uganda’s cultural policymakers—one where music is no longer seen as a side hustle, but as a serious industry worth structured investment.
