TAKEAWAYS

• Bebe Cool defended Uganda’s music industry following Bien’s remarks about its unique business model.
• He argued that Uganda’s strong domestic market allows artists to earn substantial income without relying on international tours.
• The debate has sparked wider discussion on whether success in music should be measured by global reach or financial strength at home.

One of Uganda’s biggest music stars, Bebe Cool, has responded to recent remarks by Kenyan singer Bien-Aimé Baraza, who observed that Uganda’s music industry is built around a model where one hit song can sustain an artist through nationwide performances.

While Bien described the system as one that works well for Ugandan musicians, some Ugandans interpreted his comments as criticism of the industry’s growth beyond the country’s borders. Bebe Cool was among those who weighed in on the discussion, offering a different perspective.

The Gagamel Entertainment boss argued that Uganda’s music industry should not be judged by how much music crosses borders, but by the economic value it creates for artists at home.

“In Uganda, there’s still a lot of space and money for artists to make before they even think about leaving the border. They can become billionaires without performing anywhere else.”

The “Kasepiki” singer questioned the assumption that international exposure automatically translates into greater financial success. Drawing comparisons with China and India, Bebe Cool argued that many of the world’s largest economies have thriving domestic entertainment industries, with artists earning substantial incomes despite limited international visibility.

He maintained that Uganda’s music industry has produced genuinely wealthy musicians who have invested in businesses, farms, homes and other assets through earnings made largely within the country.

“The financial status of artists is determined by the strength of their music in their own country, not necessarily by how far it travels around the world.”

Bebe Cool further claimed that Uganda’s music industry is currently one of the strongest economically in East Africa, saying local artists continue to benefit from a vibrant domestic entertainment market. He questioned whether regional popularity alone should be considered the benchmark for success, insisting that financial stability and long-term investments are equally important measures.

Furthermore Bebe Cool also challenged Bien to prove how Kenyan music has progressed than it’s Ugandan counterpart before adding that Kenyan music has never dared to cross beyond its borders. His response has added a new dimension to the ongoing conversation about whether an artist’s success should be measured by international reach or by the ability to build a sustainable career at home.