Bebe Cool’s “Cheque” Debuts on BBC 1Xtra as Artist Begins Africa Tour

Ugandan music icon Bebe Cool is making waves across the region with the release of his latest album Break the Chains, and the momentum continues to grow as his collaboration with Joshua Baraka, “Cheque,” debuted on BBC 1Xtra this Monday.

The track premiered on DJ Edu’s official mix, where it received a special refix — an infusion of urban London electronic music that has broadened its appeal to a global audience.

DJ Edu and Bebe Cool have a history; their ties go back to 2015 when Bebe Cool’s rendition of Philly Lutaaya’s “Born in Africa” earned acclaim on BBC 1Xtra.

More recently, the two collaborated on “Games”, another standout track on Break the Chains.

Bebe Cool landed in Nairobi on Tuesday, kicking off his East African press tour with a series of high-profile media appearances to promote the new album.

Speaking on Kiss FM, one of Kenya’s leading stations, Bebe Cool humorously lamented the city’s notorious traffic:

“In Uganda, you can get a lead car and move like a VIP, but in Nairobi, you have to sit through the traffic whether you want it or not,” he told presenters Muchina and Cyd.

During his stay, Bebe Cool also made a heartwarming visit to Mitaboni ABC Girls School, where a video of him singing “Check” alongside students has gone viral across social media.

Appearing on K24’s Amka Vibe Check with Remmy Majala, Bebe Cool explained the intent behind teaming up with Joshua Baraka, saying:

“I wanted to introduce Baraka to my older generation fanbase, while he introduces me to the Gen-Z audience.”

Kenyan media personalities have already identified “Cheque”, “Motivation,” and “African Love” (featuring Yemi Alade) as early standouts from the album.

With the Nairobi leg of his campaign wrapping up, Bebe Cool is set to take his African tour next to Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, and Nigeria, further cementing his place among Africa’s musical heavyweights.