By Bob Kasiita & Timothy Lukanga
Uganda’s music heavyweight Bebe Cool makes a thunderous return with Break The Chains, a 16-track album that captures the essence of transformation and growth. Released on 30th May 2025 under Gagamel International Ltd, the album is more than music it’s a mission statement.
Breaking away from his ragga-dancehall roots, Bebe Cool reinvents himself with a richer, more global Afrobeat sound. The album explores themes of love, struggle, hope, heartbreak, and identity all wrapped in polished production and intentional storytelling. Each track reflects a chapter in his musical evolution, signaling a man not stuck in the past but leaping forward with purpose.
Collaborations that bridge generations and borders
The album shines with high-profile collaborations. On “Cheque,” Bebe Cool teams up with Joshua Baraka, Uganda’s new-age music export with over 596,000 monthly Spotify listeners. Their styles merge effortlessly, offering a track that bridges old-school soul and Gen Z vibe.
“African Love” features Nigerian star Yemi Alade. It’s more than a love song it’s a celebration of heritage and unity. Her voice adds power to the pan-African message, blending seamlessly with Bebe Cool’s lyrical delivery.
Another surprise comes with DJ Edu on “Games”, adding a unique, rhythmic bounce to the album’s tone. Together, these features make the album accessible across East, West, and Southern Africa.
Standout production and emerging talent
One of the most emotionally resonant songs is “Lost Affection”, produced by rising Ugandan talent Okot Mark (Rey Macc). The beat is minimal, the emotion is raw, and Bebe Cool’s performance is stripped bare. It’s one of those rare tracks that speaks directly to listeners’ hearts.
Rectangle Love explores unrequited feelings with poetic realism, while “Hidden Agendas” and “Body Bounce” bring danceable energy. “Circumference” and “Motivation” released earlier in 2025 were part of the album’s strategic rollout, offering early hints of its diverse themes.
The production team is stacked with talent: Gumisiriza Richard Godwin, Ifeanyi Phillip, Chukwuka Ahaiwe, Kintu Claireus Boris, Ronald Matovu, and Rey Macc each leave their fingerprint, creating a rich soundscape from track to track.
Visual storytelling that matches the music
The album’s visuals match its audio ambition. The video for the lead single, directed by acclaimed South African filmmaker Garrick Williams, is visually stunning, cinematic, and perfectly synced with the music’s tone. It’s a continuation of Bebe Cool’s tradition of working with top-tier directors like Sasha Vybz showing his commitment to global-quality visuals.
A decade of albums, but this one breaks the mold
Bebe Cool’s discography is extensive: Agenze (2009), Kasepiki (2010), Go Mama (2015), and Mbozi Za Malwa (2018), among others. But Break The Chains stands out. It’s the first time he’s packaged a truly international album that balances message, musicality, and marketing.
Ekpe Promise’s lyrical contributions and Kagoda George Bush alias Bushington’s executive production create coherence across the album. Every detailfrom arrangement to rollout feels deliberate and elevated.
Break The Chains is not just about songs; it’s about Bebe Cool breaking personal and cultural barriers. It positions Ugandan music right beside the works of African giants like Davido and Wizkid, proving that Uganda, too, has something timeless to offer.
The album encourages young artists to experiment, to evolve, and to dream beyond borders. It’s a signal that Ugandan sound can thrive on the global stage if it’s given the right sound, the right voice, and the right vision. For longtime fans and new listeners alike, Break The Chains is an invitation to witness an artist unafraid to evolve and in doing so, to elevate Ugandan music to new heights.
