Bebe Cool Claims Credit for Joshua Baraka’s Popularity Among Local Audiences

Veteran Ugandan singer Bebe Cool has revealed how he helped Joshua Baraka gain a stronger foothold with the local audience.

Speaking during the unveiling of his “Bebe Cool List 2025,” he explained that many Ugandans initially shunned Joshua Baraka’s music because it is in English.

However, after their collaboration on “Cheque” from his “Break The Chains” album, and with Bebe Cool consistently promoting him, the local audience began paying attention.

He believes this is why Joshua Baraka’s songs, such as “Wrong Places” and “Morocco,” have become popular even among local listeners.

During my time of the “Break The Chains” album, I pushed Joshua Baraka a lot because I saw him on the road pushing, and most Ugandans wanted to shun him because he sings in English. But you see, when we related and worked together, every time I talked about him, the Luganda audience started paying attention, and finally you will find “Wrong Places” or even “Morocco,” playing in Kalerwe.

Bebe Cool made it clear that Joshua Baraka still needs the local audience, despite his continental and global success.

We need everybody. In music, you need everyone. There is no such thing as I need these ones and do not need those ones. The more numbers you have, the better. And you know, music is a game of numbers.

Joshua Baraka is arguably Uganda’s top musical export today.

Bebe Cool notes that while he has found success internationally, establishing a strong connection with the local audience was crucial, and he proudly helped make that happen.