Break the Chains: East Africa Music Can Conquer Globe Through Collaboration — Bebe Cool

Ugandan music icon Moses Ssali, popularly known as Bebe Cool, has urged East African artists to unite and collaborate across borders to build a global music powerhouse.

Currently on a media tour across East Africa promoting his latest 16-track album Break The Chains, Bebe Cool emphasized that the region’s combined population—estimated at nearly 500 million—is a powerful force that, if harnessed, could produce world-class talent sought after by global music festivals.

“If we can get just 10% of East Africans to stream and support our own artists deliberately, we will create musicians so big that even Coachella will come looking for us,” Bebe Cool said during an interview on NTV Kenya’s The Trend.

He called on music lovers and artists from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and the DRC to discard imaginary borders and invest in collective cultural identity through music.

Reflecting on the past, Bebe reminded audiences of a time when East Africa was the cultural heartbeat of the continent—with vibrant music scenes, cross-border collaborations, and international interest. He recounted his early career move from Kampala to Nairobi, where he rose alongside stars like Jose Chameleone, Nameless, and Necessary Noize, forming the legendary East African Bashment Crew.

“That era showed us what is possible. We shared audiences, performed across borders, and earned international recognition. We can do it again—but only if we collaborate,” he said.

During his stop in Dar es Salaam, Bebe Cool hailed Tanzania’s crucial role in elevating East African culture. He also spotlighted past moments of regional pride—like the Channel O Awards, MTV Base launch, and collaborations between artists such as Bobi Wine and Wahu, Chameleone and Professor Jay, and Redsan and Peter Miles.

However, he lamented that East African music’s momentum declined when artists became too comfortable and stopped cross-border collaboration.

“We need Tanzanian artists in Kampala, Ugandans in Kigali, Kenyans in Juba, Rwandans in Bujumbura. We need movement, exchange, and teamwork,” he insisted.

Responding to questions about East Africa’s global presence, Bebe Cool declared that regional stars like Diamond Platnumz, Alikiba, Zuchu, Harmonize, and rising acts like Joshua Baraka and Bien are already international artists—but they need continuous, deliberate support from home.

His new album features collaborations with Yemi Alade, Joshua Baraka, and DJ Edu, blending Afrobeats, Afropop, Afro-house, and Afrotech to reflect Africa’s dynamic soundscape.

“Break the Chains is more than an album. It’s a message. A call to all East African artists: the future is ours, but only if we walk together,” Bebe concluded.