Bebe Cool has been a subject of scrutiny since he released his highly anticipated Break the Chains album on May 30th.
One of the biggest criticisms was about him releasing an international product and choosing to do much of the promotion in Uganda.
Well, today, Bebe Cool arrived in Nairobi, to start his international tour of the Break The Chains Album.
This is Bebe Cool’s second album stop after a successful listening party and activations which have turned the album into the talk of Kampala.
The high-profile press conference, held at Aspire Centre in Nairobi, brought together music lovers, media and some of East Africa’s most iconic artists, for an unforgettable moment of reflection and reunion, while celebrating Bebe’s new journey.
Speaking at the press conference, Bebe Cool expressed gratitude for his roots in Nairobi, where his musical journey began under the pioneering Kenyan label Ogopa Deejays. “Nairobi will always be a second home for me,” he said.
“This is where my journey truly took flight, so it means everything to launch this new chapter of my story here. ‘Break the Chains’ album is about freedom—artistic freedom, emotional healing and breaking through personal and professional limitations,” he said.
The 16-track album is a genre-defying project that blends Afrobeats, Afropop, Afrotech, and Afro-house, anchored in Bebe Cool’s distinct vocal signature and storytelling prowess.
The Ugandan legend has a couple of collabos off the album, including one with Nigerian star Yemi Alade- African Love, rising Ugandan sensation ln the global scene- Joshua Baraka- Cheque, and one with international UK-based Kenyan DJ and producer DJ Edu- Games.
Since the album release, African Love where he features Yemi Alade, Circumference, Motivation and Check with Joshua Baraka, have been the most streamed songs in Kenya.
In a surprise moment that electrified the room, Bebe Cool was joined on stage by the iconic Nazizi and Wyre, who were his former collaborators under the East African Bashment Crew.
Having shaped the early 2000s pan-African music scene with hits like “Africa Unite” and “Fire Anthem”, the trio’s onstage reunion was a nostalgic and powerful statement on the legacy and continued impact of East African music collaborations.
Bebe Cool emphasized that Break the Chains is both a return to form and a leap forward. It is a project rooted in the values of authenticity, sonic experimentation, and African pride.
He also teased upcoming stops on his East African tour, which will continue in Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda in the coming weeks, offering fans and media more opportunities to engage with the music and message of Break the Chains.
The event was hosted by Kenyan PR guru Anyiko Owoko, of Anyiko PR.
Break the Chains is available now on all digital streaming platforms. Check it out on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and all major streaming platforms.
ABOUT BEBE COOL:
Bebe Cool is one of Uganda’s most iconic and influential musicians, known for his unique fusion of reggae, dancehall and Afrobeats.
With a career spanning over 25 years, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s modern music scene and continues to impact the broader East African music landscape. Some of his groundbreaking albums include ‘Maisha’ (2004), ‘Fitina’ (2001) and ‘Go Mama’ (2015).
Throughout his career, Bebe Cool has collaborated with numerous regional and international artists, and he is one of the most decorated Ugandan musicians, having won over 20 awards. Beyond his musical success, Bebe Cool is also a committed philanthropist and is Uganda’s Tuberculosis Ambassador raising awareness about the disease.
His remix of Philly Lutaaya’s Born in Africa was ranked #15 by the BBC during the commemoration of the Organization of African Unity at 50, cementing his place as an African music legend.
