Bebe Cool questions Ugandan artists’ wealth: “When will you live like real celebrities?”

• Bebe Cool says most Ugandan artists earn too little to build billion-shilling lifestyles.
• He argues real celebrity status must include luxury homes, cars, and global influence.
• Musicians are urged to invest in businesses and diversify income — as only a few currently own substantial assets.

Musician Bebe Cool has come out to question fellow Ugandan musicians on when they will start living life like real celebrities.

Speaking candidly, the veteran artist criticized the modest earnings and lifestyles of many in the local music industry, saying most artists are still making small appearance fees that cannot elevate them to global celebrity standards.

“Artists are still earning two million, one point five, three. When will you ever make a billion shillings?” he asked.

Bebe Cool argued that the kind of celebrity homes often celebrated locally fall short of true star status, noting that many cost far less than what international artists spend on property.

“The real celebrity houses that we’re talking about cost more than just five, eight hundred million. We need over a billion shillings,” he said.
“A billion shillings, imagine, is just $250,000 — that’s a very cheap house for a celebrity.”

He went further to suggest that wealth should be a defining factor of celebrity identity.

“You shouldn’t even call yourself a celebrity if you live in a house of less than a million dollars,” he stated.

According to him, the reason Ugandans often idolize artists from West Africa, the United States, and Europe is because their success is visible through their lifestyles.

“A real artist has a lifestyle — you live in a big house, you drive big cars, you live large. You’re famous beyond your borders.”

Bebe Cool advised musicians to diversify their income by venturing into businesses and other money-generating opportunities, including politics where possible.

“An artist needs to involve themselves in different businesses… even politics,” he said.
“You missed an opportunity of making money.”

He also pointed to government opportunities, urging creatives to think fast and position themselves financially.

“We have a very good president who gives an opportunity to everyone who thinks quickly to make money. You’re only a fool in Uganda if you’re broke.”

It should be noted that only a few musicians in Uganda possess real assets and large business investments, while the majority reportedly live hand-to-mouth despite their fame.