Bebe Cool drops captivating love ballad ‘Motivation’

One of Uganda’s most iconic and influential musicians Bebe Cool has released Motivation, the second single off his highly anticipated album Break the Chains.

The jam is a deeply personal and emotionally charged track that highlights Bebe’s versatility. Unlike his previous releases, where he leaned on reggae and dancehall influences, this song taps into the Afrobeats wave, delivering smooth vocals and an irresistible melody that lingers long after the song ends.

Produced by Ugandan music producing duo Bushington (George Kagoda) and Melanin Boy, the new single showcases the singer’s evolving sound, blending mellow Afrobeats rhythms with heartfelt lyrics about love, inspiration and devotion. It has a smooth, minimalistic production, with the chorus celebrating love and devotion, highlighting Bebe Cool’s signature husky vocals and infectious Afrobeats melodies.

Directed by South Africa’s Garrick Williams, its accompanying music video explores the depth of love beyond appearances or material wealth. The visuals elegantly portray Bebe Cool and his love interest as equal partners, highlighting their deep connection and shared journey in both love and business.

In the week following this year’s Valentine’s Day, Bebe Cool (real name Moses Ssali) launched Motivation Week in Uganda, a new annual initiative that aims to celebrate motivators across different fields and create meaningful conversations around inspiration and resilience.

During a roundtable discussion featuring various media personalities, the singer spoke about his journey in music and what keeps him pushing forward. He shared personal stories, including how his motivation led him to travel to Nairobi in pursuit of his dream of becoming a global artiste. “Motivation is key to success no matter your age and level in life. For instance I have children who are growing up and my peers and I still have more to grow.”

“Motivation follows the success of Circumference —the first single from Break the Chains album, which is expected to push the boundaries of African music, showcasing a dynamic fusion of sounds and storytelling,” he said.

“I can’t wait for everyone to experience the full spectrum of this album and the stories it tells,” says Bebe.

Bebe Cool’s musical journey started in 1997 when he made a bold move to Nairobi, where he quickly became one of the first artistes to sign with Ogopa Deejays, a pioneering record label in the East African music scene.

He was instrumental in establishing Uganda’s modern sound and significantly elevated the social scene in the early 2000s with his captivating voice and sometimes polarising performances.

In 2004, he joined forces with Kenyan reggae and hip-hop group Necessary Noize, comprising Wyre and Nazizi, to form the award-winning East African Bashment Crew. The group achieved continental success with hits such as Fire Anthem, Africa Unite, Kube, and This Tune.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Bebe Cool known for his other hit singles including Mbozi Za Malwa ft Sauti Sol, and Love You Everyday. Some of his albums include Maisha (2004), Fitina (2001) and Go Mama (2015).