“They Wanted to Shun Him!” Bebe Cool Reveals How He Helped Joshua Baraka Win Over Ugandan Fans

Veteran Ugandan musician Bebe Cool has revealed how he played a key role in helping fast-rising singer Joshua Baraka gain acceptance among the local Ugandan audience.

Speaking during the unveiling of his highly anticipated “Bebe Cool List 2025,” the Gagamel boss disclosed that Joshua Baraka initially struggled to connect with many Ugandan listeners because his music is predominantly sung in English.

According to Bebe Cool, despite Baraka’s undeniable talent and growing international recognition, a section of the local audience was hesitant to embrace his sound, which they viewed as less relatable to the average Ugandan listener.

“Most Ugandans wanted to shun him because he sings in English,” Bebe Cool said. “But I saw him on the road pushing, and I believed in his talent.”

Bebe Cool explained that the turning point came when they collaborated on the song “Cheque,” featured on his “Break The Chains” album. Beyond the collaboration, he deliberately used his influence to consistently talk about and promote Joshua Baraka across different platforms.

“During my time of the Break The Chains album, I pushed Joshua Baraka a lot. Every time I talked about him, the Luganda audience started paying attention,” he revealed.

This consistent exposure, according to Bebe Cool, helped Joshua Baraka’s music break language and cultural barriers, allowing it to resonate with local communities across the country.

He pointed out that Baraka’s songs such as “Wrong Places” and “Morocco” are now widely enjoyed even in areas like Kalerwe, a clear sign that the local audience has fully embraced the singer.

Bebe Cool emphasized that regardless of Joshua Baraka’s continental and global success, local support remains crucial for any artist.

“We need everybody. In music, you need everyone. There is no such thing as ‘I need these ones and not those ones.’ The more numbers you have, the better. Music is a game of numbers,” he said.

Bebe Cool’s remarks highlight the importance of unity, mentorship, and local support in building sustainable music careers, especially for artists aiming to balance international appeal with strong roots at home.