Ugandan music veteran Bebe Cool has unveiled his latest studio album Break The Chains, a 16-track project launched during a high-profile listening party held at Noni Vie in Kampala on Thursday evening.
The event, attended by leading figures in Uganda’s entertainment industry—including musicians, producers, media personalities, and socialites—marked a significant milestone in the artist’s 25-year musical journey.
“Twenty-five years now I have been making music. With this album, I am breaking free from the chains I built myself,” Bebe Cool wrote on X (formerly Twitter), thanking fans for their support.
The evening was co-hosted by UK-based Nigerian broadcaster Adesope Olajide, also known as Shopsydoo, alongside NBS After5 presenter Viana Indi. Acclaimed DJ Slick Stuart provided the music for the listening session.
Adesope, known for championing African talent globally, has previously worked with major acts such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Sarkodie, and Uganda’s own Joshua Baraka.
During the launch, Bebe Cool offered insights into the inspiration behind each song. The night concluded with a fireworks display to mark the album’s official release.
Break The Chains brings together a blend of genres, with influences ranging from Afrobeats to the emerging Afrotech sound—a subgenre of electronic house music with South African roots. The album includes notable collaborations with BBC 1Xtra’s DJ Edu, Ugandan singer Joshua Baraka, and Nigerian pop star Yemi Alade.
Speaking about his collaboration with Alade, Bebe Cool said, “Yemi is a voice to reckon with. She is a very strong artist. If you are looking for strong female artists in the world, you couldn’t skip her. I’m her fan and always imagined her voice on my track.”
The album is now available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music.
The project has drawn early praise from fellow musicians. A Pass said the album recalls Bebe Cool’s earlier urban sound, describing it as “quality music” that is “well mixed and mastered.”
Singer Alien Skin also paid tribute, describing Bebe Cool as “an inspiration” to younger artists. “We have been learning nothing but negativity from our elders. But this is something good to emulate,” he added.
The launch was not without moments of personal reflection. Bebe Cool recounted a difficult period during production when his daughter, Beata Ssali, was admitted to intensive care with multiple organ failure. The artist was in Nigeria at the time, finalising the album.
The launch was not without moments of personal reflection. Bebe Cool recounted a difficult period during production when his daughter, Beata Ssali, was admitted to intensive care with multiple organ failure. The artist was in Nigeria at the time, finalising the album.
“As I landed, I received messages from my wife saying Beata was in ICU and her organs were starting to fail. I wanted to cancel this same album and return to be with my daughter,” he said.
A team of seven doctors was swiftly assembled, and after intensive intervention, Beata’s condition was stabilised.
