Ugandan music icon Bebe Cool has unveiled his annual Bebe Cool List for 2025, highlighting the artists, albums, and songs that stood out over the year while offering candid reflections on the state of the country’s music industry.
The list, which Bebe Cool has published almost every year since its inception in the early 2000s, has become a barometer for artistic excellence, industry trends, and emerging talent in Uganda. Fans and industry observers alike look forward to it, not just as a ranking, but as a personal commentary on the evolution of Ugandan music.
“This is my way of encouraging young artists, recognising effort, and calling the industry to a higher standard,” Bebe Cool said. “It’s not about popularity alone — it’s about creativity, consistency, and professionalism.”
2025 Highlights
Bebe Cool described 2025 as “action-packed,” with activities that could either obstruct or fuel the music industry.
He noted that younger artists have “broken boundaries of the norm, making audiences accept almost anything.” Yet, he argued, the real measure of progress lies in those who define a direction for the industry and shape listeners’ appetites.
Bebe Cool – Break The Chains
At the top of the list is Bebe Cool himself, for his album Break The Chains. The record blends Afrobeat and Afro-tech genres aimed at global audiences.
Despite potential resistance at home for its new sound, the album resonated internationally.
Bebe Cool said: “An artist without a professional album will never be considered a professional artist — and that is why artists record albums.” Tracks such as Hidden Agendas, Cheque featuring Joshua Baraka, Home, Motivation, and Hips Don’t Lie cemented the album as a standout of 2025.
Joshua Baraka – Wrong Places
Joshua Baraka emerged as the best young talent in terms of global sound, with his single Wrong Places off the 12-track album Juvie.
Bebe Cool praised him for taking risks: “Joshua was not afraid to stand alone and sound different in a market consuming other sounds.” His international performances demonstrate his growing global reach.
Elijah Kitaka – Ekyange, Daily Bundle, Go (Remix)
For the first time, Bebe Cool highlighted a local male artist as a standout: Elijah Kitaka. Recognised for his creativity, fashion sense, and distinctive voice, Kitaka has been involved in four major projects in 2025. “This guy will go global — it’s just a matter of time,” Bebe Cool said.
Dax Vybz – At My Door, Good Idea
Dax Vybz appeared again on the list, with Bebe Cool noting his talent and independence in the industry. “Keep going, young man. The environment in Uganda has been set well to create stars like you,” he said.
Kapeke – Kaba
Kapeke returned to the list, with Bebe Cool praising his hooks, danceable tunes, and stage presence, predicting that he could outcompete many others.
Female Artists
Lydia Jazmine made the list for her album One & Only, which demonstrates the professional elevation that comes with investing in a full album.
Vinka was recognised for Lala, while Sheebah received credit for her post-maternity comeback.
Collaborations of the Year
The top collaboration of 2025, according to Bebe Cool, was See You Tonight by Cindy Sanyu and Omega 256, followed closely by Joshua Baraka’s Wrong Places and Elijah Kitaka’s Ekyange.
Other notable collaborations included tracks by Kapati, Wanula, Ekisododo, and Misolo Boka.
Reflections on the Industry
Bebe Cool did not shy away from critique. Comparing 2025 to previous years, he noted a decline in output and quality: “2025 has been weaker than 2024, 2024 weaker than 2023, and 2023 weaker than 2022. The lists of those years prove this.”
He attributed the decline to factors like laziness, low confidence, excuses, and drug abuse.
Drawing from his own experience, Bebe Cool reflected on the early days of his career: “At 23, I travelled to Nairobi by bus and hustled in a country where I knew no one. Uganda then had fewer than 50 radio stations, fewer than 10 TV stations, and no social media — yet I hustled, made good music, collaborated with global artists, and performed at the Nelson Mandela birthday concert.”
He used his longevity in the industry as a call to action: “I congratulate all artists on The Bebe Cool List 2025, but we must reflect, analyse our weaknesses, and act. With the moral authority of experience and longevity, I mean no disrespect — only a call for all stakeholders to raise the bar.”
Bebe Cool concluded with a hopeful note for 2026: “The industry has many advantages today — more radio stations, social media, better technology, and government support. Let’s use them.”
