Bebe Cool advocates for cross-border artistic collaborations
Ugandan reggae and dancehall icon Bebe Cool has made a compelling case for artists across East Africa to transcend national boundaries and collaborate more extensively.
Speaking during an interview with one of the local TV stations on Friday, July 4, 2025, Bebe Cool called for regional artistic synergy and cultural exchange.
East African Bashment Crew
Bebe Cool reminisced about his days with the East African Bashment Crew, a Kenyan-Ugandan reggae group he co-founded. The group, which also included Kenya’s Necessary Noize, exemplified the power of cross-border collaboration in the music industry.
According to Bebe Cool, artists started to freely move between the East African countries and collaborate with each other after they had established the East African Bashment Crew.
“You know, with Redsan and Chameleon, we did the first East African Bashment Crew in Kenya. We used to perform, the three of us. We were given the opportunity, and we found very big artists in Kenya, the likes of Kalamashaka, Gid Gidi Maji Maji, and so on. I think that is when the real East African artist intermingling began. When we came here, Tanzanian artists also started moving to Uganda and Kenya,” Bebe Cool said.
Free movement
He encouraged the artists to go back to the system they had established and start working together on various projects, noting that it is the way to growth.
The singer also urged his fellow musicians not to fear moving to other East African countries. He noted that he had personally lived and worked in Kenya for a long time.
“So, we really enjoyed it, and we can see what it is now. Later on, we made the East African Bashment Crew, and that is why I now encourage artists to come back to that system. Go to Uganda, go to Tanzania, and don’t fear. That is what we did to get somewhere,” he said.
Bebe Cool jetted into Nairobi on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, accompanied by his wife, Zuena Kirema.
The couple received a warm welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, complete with flowers and a fleet of escort vehicles. In a heartwarming moment captured by fans and photographers, Bebe Cool was seen opening the car door for his wife, a gesture that earned him admiration on social media.
Media tour
His media tour, which runs until July 6, 2025, is designed to reintroduce him to the Kenyan audience while strengthening ties within the region’s entertainment circles. He is scheduled to appear on top television and radio platforms and engage directly with fans and key industry stakeholders.
One of the major highlights of the tour will be a one-on-one session with media personality Anyiko Owoko, who is also serving as his manager during the visit.
