Bebe Cool Calls for Revival of East African Music Unity After Media Tour in Kenya and Tanzania
Bebe Cool recently completed a two-week media tour across Kenya and Tanzania to promote his album Break The Chains, which was released on May 30.
During the tour, he made appearances on numerous radio stations, tv shows, and podcasts in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
Reflecting on the experience, Bebe Cool shared on his social media platforms key insights and observations that he believes could shape the future of the region’s music industry.
My first stop definitely had to be Nairobi that is where my music story began. The tour was a huge success, and I am forever grateful to my fans, friends, hosts, and everyone who played a role in both countries.
However, beyond the warm reception, the experience opened his eyes to deeper issues facing East African music today.
While cities like Johannesburg and Lagos shine brightly on the continent’s music map, East Africa has lost some of its former vibrancy.
He reminisced about the era when artistes such as Lady Jay Dee, AY, Redsan, Nameless, and groups like Necessary Noize and the East African Bashment Crew came together to create a united regional sound that resonated with millions.
That brotherhood fueled our success, but over time, after gaining individual success, we stopped working together. This weakened the collective power that once made East African music a formidable force.
Bebe Cool also lamented the fading cultural exchange, noting how Ugandans embraced genres like Cenge, and Tanzanians brought Bongo Flava to the wider region.
I hope my media tour inspires artistes from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda to visit every country in the region more often.
Highlighting East Africa’s massive potential, he pointed out that the combined population exceeds 300 million.
If just 50 million deliberately became music consumers and streamed our music, the world would have no choice but to take notice and embrace us.
In addition to reflecting on the music scene, Bebe Cool praised the professionalism and patriotism of the media in Kenya and Tanzania.
Journalists asked relevant questions, showing thorough research, and are deliberate about pushing their own artistes despite challenges. I was also impressed by the strength of digital media entertainment podcasts and YouTube channels are among the biggest platforms in both countries.
He drew inspiration from fellow East African artists investing in media enterprises, citing Ali Kiba’s Crown FM and Diamond Platnumz’s Wasafi Media as examples of strategic moves that help artistes control their narratives.
We have seen attempts before, like Maama Halima’s venture here in Uganda, but the industry did not take the cue.
Bebe Cool pointed out the importance of collaboration beyond just artistes, encouraging producers, video makers, dancers, and promoters to actively visit and engage with different East African states.
True stakeholders must come together deliberately to realize grand results.
Concluding his reflections, Bebe Cool offered a rallying cry to his fellow East African musicians.
Let us be deliberate about visiting every state in the region at least once a year, and engage meaningfully with the media and fans. We are all a work in progress, continually learning and growing.
My key takeaways from the East African ride through Kenya & Tanzania.#BreakTheChainsAlbum tour#BreakTheChains pic.twitter.com/vqjyybgXAU
— Bebe Cool (@BebeCoolUG) July 18, 2025
