Ugandan reggae and ragga artist Bebe Cool has offered a measured response to the controversy surrounding the Coffee Marathon concert, following fellow musician Eddy Kenzo’s claims of unfair treatment in favour of Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz.
Kenzo, the founder of Big Talent Entertainment, voiced his frustration earlier this week, alleging that organisers had prioritised international acts over local talent. At the centre of the debate is an unconfirmed report that Diamond Platnumz received UGX 750 million (approximately USD 200,000) to perform at the event held in Ntungamo on 24 May. The concert also featured Rwandan singer The Ben.
Speaking on NTV Uganda’s The Beat on Tuesday, Bebe Cool took a more pragmatic stance, advising younger artists to focus on strategic positioning and brand strength rather than public complaints.
“It’s your negotiation power and the values you present for your customers’ money,” he said. “Eddy’s response is his own, based on his understanding. But as his elder and brother, I’d like to use my experience to guide the younger generation—on when to speak, and more importantly, how.”
Bebe Cool, 47, argued that higher fees for international performers are often less about favouritism and more about perceived market value and negotiation dynamics.
Recalling his own experience with the Tubonga Nawe campaign, in which local artists collaborated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Bebe Cool said he had demanded what he considered his worth.
“I was clear. The amount I asked for was extreme,” he said. “But the President said, if I deliver and that’s my brand, then I get paid.”
His comments come amid broader questions about equity in Uganda’s entertainment industry and the perceived undervaluing of homegrown talent at high-profile events.
During the interview, Bebe Cool also promoted his forthcoming studio album Break the Chains, which is set to be released on Friday, 30 May. The lead single, Circumference, produced by Nigerian hitmaker Philkeys, has already gained traction alongside the track Motivation, both of which were released in December.
Break the Chains will be available on Spotify, YouTube Music, Boomplay, Amazon Music, and other streaming platforms.
Early reception to the singles suggests a creative shift in Bebe Cool’s musical direction, sparking debate among fans and industry critics alike.
