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{{short description|Ugandan recording artist}}

{{EngvarB|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Bebe cool
| name = Bebe Cool
| image =
| image = Bebe Cool at HiPipo Music Awards 2014 Artist of The Year.png
| caption = Moses Ssali in 2007
| caption = Bebe Cool at the HiPipo Music Awards in 2014
| background = solo_singer
| birth_name = Musa Ssali
| birth_name = Moses Ssali
| alias = Big Size
| alias = Big Size
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1977|09|1}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1977|09|1}}
| origin = [[Kampala]], Uganda
| origin = [[Kampala]], [[Uganda]]
| instrument = Vocals
| occupation = Singer-songwriter, artist, record producer, actor, philanthropist
| instrument = Vocals
| years_active = {{circa|1997}}–present
| website = https://bebecool.co.ug/
}}


'''Bebe Cool''' (real name '''Moses Ssali'''; born on 1 September 1977) is a Ugandan [[reggae]] and [[ragga]] musician. He started his career around 1997 in [[Nairobi]], [[Kenya]], but moved back to his native country a few years later. Bebe Cool was one of the first artists affiliated with [[Ogopa DJs]], a production house and record label in Kenya.
| occupation = Singer-songwriter, record producer, actress
| years_active = 1996–present


==Early life==
}}


Bebe Cool attended [[Aga Khan Education Services|Aga Khan Primary School]], in [[Kampala]], [[Kitante Hill School]], and [[Makerere College School]], where he attended school studies, but dropped out of school one year prior to completion. At high school, he studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics (PCB/M) at Makerere College School. Bebe Cool (formerly '''Bebe Bunton''') started his music career right from high school when he was an entertainment prefect.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/read/81488/|title=Celebrity Central: Bebe Cool |newspaper=[[New Times (Rwanda)]] |date=2000 | access-date=26 September 2019 |author=New Times Reporter | place=Kigali}}</ref>


==Music career==


Bebe Cool is a three-time winner of the Artist of The Year Award at the Prestigious HiPipo Music Awards<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.hipipo.com |title=Music For Nature &#124; Videos &#124; News &#124; Uganda &#124; East Africa |date=3 August 2013 |publisher=HiPipo.com |access-date=2 June 2015 |author=HiPipo}}</ref> and won several accolades at [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] (PAM Awards).<ref>{{cite web|date=7 November 2010 | url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1279359/pam-awards-winner |title=PAM Awards: The Winner Is.. |access-date=28 October 2019 |newspaper=[[New Vision]] |author=Joseph Ssemutooke |place=Kampala}}</ref> He was nominated for the [[Kora Awards|Kora All-African Awards]] in 2003 and 2005. He has toured in the United Kingdom and the United States.<ref>{{cite web|date=2004 |place=Kampala |url=http://www.musicuganda.com/Bebe%20cool.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905020736/http://www.musicuganda.com/Bebe%20cool.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-09-05 |title=Bebe Cool by Steven Tendo |access-date=28 October 2019 |publisher=Music In Uganda |author=Steven Tendo | format=Archived from the original on 5 September 2012}}</ref> Two of his popular singles are "Fitina" and "Mambo Mingi".<ref>{{cite web|title=Profile of Moses Ssali aka Bebe Cool |date=28 September 2007 | format=Archived from the original on 28 September 2007 |url=http://www.mtvbase.com/mtvbaseafrica.com/music/article.jhtml%3Bjsessionid%3DAMTFCT1IDES1TQFIAIICFE4AVABBCIV0?backLink=profiles&id=30119486 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928110302/http://www.mtvbase.com/mtvbaseafrica.com/music/article.jhtml%3Bjsessionid%3DAMTFCT1IDES1TQFIAIICFE4AVABBCIV0?backLink=profiles&id=30119486 |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 September 2007 |access-date=29 October 2019 | publisher=MTV Base Africa |author=MTV Base Africa}}</ref> Bebe Cool was elected as the finance minister of the Uganda National Musicians' Federation (UNMF) headed by [[Eddy Kenzo]] in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Asingwire |first=Mzee |date=2023-05-05 |title=Musician Federation: Kenzo elected president; Bebe Cool finance minister |url=https://www.pulse.ug/entertainment/celebrities/musician-federation-kenzo-elected-president-bebe-cool-finance-minister/exh9d6b |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=Pulse Uganda |language=en}}</ref>
'''Bebe Cool''' (born 1 September 1977) (real name '''Moses Ssali''') is a [[ragga]] musician from [[Uganda]]. He started his career around 1997 in [[Nairobi]], [[Kenya]], but a few years later he moved back to his native country. Together with [[Redsan]] and his compatriot [[Chameleone]], Bebe Cool was one of the first artists affiliated with [[Ogopa DJs]], a production house and record label in Kenya.


He also collaborated with [[Halima Namakula]], a Ugandan veteran woman musician, on their crossover track "Sambagala".<ref>{{Citation |title=Sambagala |date=2008-04-03 |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/2GRLDu1z9OcCWTjaI9uXEL |language=en |access-date=2023-02-18}}</ref> He released two solo albums, ''Maisha'' and ''Sente''. His lyrics are in [[Luganda]], [[Swahili language|Swahili]], and [[English language|English]]. Together with Kenyan duo [[Necessary Noize]], Bebe Cool formed a [[reggae]] group known as the [[East African Bashment Crew]]. They have released one album, ''Fire'', and two hit singles, "Africa Unite" and "Fire". The group was nominated at the [[MTV Africa Music Awards 2008]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.museke.com/node/2230 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714134121/http://www.museke.com/node/2230 |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 July 2011 |title=MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) 2008 - The Nominees |publisher=Museke.com |access-date=29 October 2019
Two of his popular singles are "Fitina" and "Mambo Mingi".<ref>MTV Base Africa: [http://web.archive.org/web/20070928110302/http://www.mtvbase.com/mtvbaseafrica.com/music/article.jhtml;jsessionid=AMTFCT1IDES1TQFIAIICFE4AVABBCIV0?backLink=profiles&id=30119486 Artist profile - Bebe Cool] (through archive.org)</ref> He also collaborated with [[Halima Namakula]], a Ugandan veteran woman musician, on their crossover track "Sambagala". He has released two solo albums, ''Maisha'' and ''Senta''. His lyrics are in [[Luganda]], [[Swahili language|Swahili]], and English.
|date=8 October 2008 |author=Alireid42 |format=Archived from the original on 14 July 2011}}</ref>


In 2013, Bebe Cool had a music battle with one of Nigeria's top artists [[D'banj]] in a neutral place, Glamis Arena Harare Zimbabwe.<ref name="BattleR">{{cite web|date=28 October 2013 | url=https://www.newsday.co.zw/2013/10/dbanj-disappoints-bebe-cool-shines/ |title=D'Banj Disappoints As Bebe Cool Shines
Bebe Cool has won several awards at the [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] (PAM Awards).<ref>[http://pamawards.com PAM Awards website]</ref> He was nominated for the [[Kora Awards|Kora All-African Awards]] in 2003 and 2005. He has toured in the UK and the US.<ref>[http://www.musicuganda.com/Bebe%20cool.html Musicuganda.com - Bebe Cool]</ref>
|newspaper=[[NewsDay (Zimbabwean newspaper)|NewsDay Zimbabwe]]
|access-date=29 October 2019 |author=Tinotenda Samukange | place=Harare}}</ref> The show was organized under the theme "Battle for Africa". Bebe Cool put up a great performance at the battle.<ref name="BattleR"/>


In 2014, Bebe Cool’s remade Born in Africa remix song, a remake of the late [[Philly Lutaaya]]'s song was voted among Africa’s greatest songs of all time.<ref name="RemixR">{{cite web |url=http://chano8.com/bebe-cools-song-in-top-50-bbc-anthems-for-the-african-continent/ |title=Bebe Cool's Song In Top 50 BBC Anthems For The African Continent |publisher=Chano8.com |date=24 June 2014 |access-date=29 October 2019 |author=Roy Ruva |place=Kampala |archive-date=18 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518081553/http://chano8.com/bebe-cools-song-in-top-50-bbc-anthems-for-the-african-continent/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Born In Africa by Bebe Cool |date=2000-11-28 |url=https://music.apple.com/ug/album/born-in-africa/1574340976?i=1574340982 |language=en-GB |access-date=2023-02-18}}</ref>
Together with Kenyan duo [[Necessary Noize]], Bebe Cool has formed a [[reggae]] group known as the [[East African Bashment Crew]]. They have released one album, ''Fire'', and two hit singles, "Africa Unite" and "Fire". The group is nominated at the [[MTV Africa Music Awards 2008|inaugural (2008) MTV Africa Music Awards]].<ref>Museke: [http://museke.com/node/2230 MTV Africa Music Awards 2008]</ref>


The song came at number 15 in Fifty anthems for the African continent. [[BBC]] World Service listeners suggested the African songs that summed up the continent to them.<ref name="RemixR"/> This was to mark the 50th anniversary of the [[African Union]] – formerly the Organization of African Unity, From the suggestions, the BBC’s DJ Edu, who hosts a weekly African music show on BBC radio, compiled them into a special five-minute mix of 50 songs from 50 countries.<ref name="RemixR"/>
In January 2010 he was injured when a policeman shot at him.<ref>The Standard, 1 February 2010: [http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/news/InsidePage.php?id=2000002131&cid=159&story=Ugandan%20singer%20injured%20in%20scuffle%20with%20police Ugandan singer injured in scuffle with police]</ref>


Bebe Cool has performed in the ''Big Brother'' house twice. From 2016 to 2018, there was rising controversy against Bebe Cool for being a chief organizer for [[Yoweri Kaguta Museveni]], the president of Uganda who had been described by international media outlets as dictatorial. Ugandans at one time chased him off the stage in a show before he could sing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-19 |title=11 suspects arrested for pelting bottles at Bebe Cool |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/11-suspects-arrested-for-pelting-bottles-at-bebe-cool-1879398 |access-date=2023-02-18 |website=Monitor |language=en}}</ref>
On 11 July 2010, Bebe Cool was performing at the [[Kyadondo Rugby Club]] when a bomb set by Somali [[Islamism|Islamist]] [[terrorist]] group [[Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen|al-Shabaab]] exploded ([[July 2010 Kampala attacks]]). According to Cool, "Most people who died were just in front of me. The blast was so loud—the next thing I saw were body parts flying over." <ref>Peter Wonacott and Nicholas Bariyo, "Somali Militants Shift Tactics with Uganda Attack," The Wall Street Journal, July 12, 2010 [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704288204575362400675683926.html?mod=WSJ_hps_LEFTTopStories#articleTabs%3Darticle]</ref>


Bebe Cool won one [[All Africa Music Awards|Afrima]] award for the best East African male artist in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bebe cool wins best male East African artist at AFRIMA awards |url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/articledetails/undefined |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=New Vision |language=en}}</ref>
Bebe Cool is husband to model and former [[Miss Uganda]] contestant Zuena Kirema and is now a father of two; one son and daughter, Alpha Thierry and Beata, respectively.


== Awards ==
==Personal life==
In January 2010, Bebe was injured when a policeman shot him in the leg.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bebe Cool Shot, Rushed to Nsambya Hospital
'''Won:'''
|url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/688334-852442-ca1pydz/index.html |newspaper=[[Daily Monitor]] |date=30 January 2010 |access-date=29 October 2019 |author=Monitor Online Team | place=Kampala}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Ugandan Artist Bebe Cool Shot Following R. Kelly Concert |website=theboombox |date=2 January 2010 |access-date=|author= NADESKA ALEXIS |url=https://theboombox.com/ugandan-artist-bebe-cool-shot-following-r-kelly-concert/}}</ref>
*2004 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] - Best Reggae Artiste/Group<ref>PAM Awards: [http://web.archive.org/web/20050204005728/pamawards.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage 2004 Winners]</ref>
*2005 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] - Best Reggae Artiste/Group<ref>PAM Awards: [http://web.archive.org/web/20070702053829/http://pamawards.com/pages/2005.php 2005 Winners & Nominees]</ref>
*2006 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] - Best Reggae Artiste/Group<ref>Ugandaonline.net: [http://www.ugandaonline.net/2006 PAM Awards 2006 Winners]</ref>
*2006 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] - Song of the Year<ref>[http://www.ugandaonline.net/2006]</ref>
*2007 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] - Best Reggae Artiste/Group<ref>Museke: [http://www.museke.com/node/1617 Pearl of Africa Music (PAM) awards 2007 winners - Uganda]</ref>
*2007 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] - Best Male Artiste<ref>[http://www.ugpulse.com/articles/daily/Entertainment.asp?about=2007+PAM+Awards%3A+The+Winners&ID=748]</ref>
*2007 [[Channel O Music Video Awards]] -Video of the year<ref>[http://www.museke.com/en/node/1534 Museke]</ref>
*2008 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] - Best Male Artist & Best Reggae Artiste/Group & Best Ragga Artiste/Group<ref>Museke: [http://www.museke.com/en/node/2396 Pearl of Africa Music (PAM) awards 2008 winners - Uganda]</ref>
*2010 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] - Artist of the Year 2010,Best Reggae Artiste/Group and Album of the year<ref>[http://videos.2shyentertainment.com/articles/read-bebe-cool-triumphs-at-the-2010-pam-awards_105.html PAM Awards]</ref>
*2011 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] - Best Male Artist <ref> The Observer [http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15818:pam-awards-never-short-on-surprises PAM awards never short on surprises]</ref>


On 11 July 2010, Bebe Cool was performing at the [[Kyadondo Rugby Club]] when a bomb set by Somali terrorist group [[Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen|al-Shabaab]] exploded ([[July 2010 Kampala attacks]]). According to Cool, "Most people who died were just in front of me. The blast was so loud—the next thing I saw were body parts flying over."<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704288204575362400675683926?mod=WSJ_hps_LEFTTopStories#articleTabs%3Darticle | title=Militants Find Symbolic Targets in Uganda |date=13 July 2010 |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |access-date=29 October 2019 |author=Peter Wonacott and Nicholas Bariyo}}</ref>
[[File:Zuena Kirema.jpg|left|thumb|Zuena Kirema]]
Bebe Cool is married to Zuena Kirema. In 2022, the couple celebrated 20 years in marriage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bebe Cool appreciates Zuena as couple celebrates 20 years and together the couple has four children.|url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/articledetails/125300 |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=New Vision |language=en}}</ref>

==Philanthropy==

In 2008, Bebe Cool performed for the [[Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Tribute]] in [[Hyde Park, London]]. He was also named by Nelson Mandela as one of the 46664 African ambassadors. [[46664]] is a campaign of raising awareness against [[HIV/AIDS]] that was initiated by the late [[Nelson Mandela]].<ref>{{cite web|newspaper=[[The Observer (Uganda)]] | url=https://observer.ug/lifestyle/entertainment/29045-meeting-mandela-was-better-than-music-awards-bebe-cool |title= Meeting Mandela Was Better Than Music Awards - Bebe Cool |date=10 December 2013 |access-date=28 October 2019 |author=Andrew Kaggwa |place=Kampala}}</ref>

On 3 August 2018, at a concert called ''The Golden Heart'', Bebe Cool fundraised to sponsor five children with heart diseases to receive medical treatment in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bigeye.ug/bebe-cool-sees-off-kids-with-heart-problems-to-india-for-surgery-photo/|title=Bebe Cool sees off kids with heart problems to India for surgery. [Photo]|last=Eye|first=Big|date=2018-09-03|website=BigEye.UG|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://trumpetnews.co.ug/golden-heart-concert-bebe-becomes-first-ugandan-artiste-to-perform-under-dome-at-kololo/|title=Golden Heart Concert; Bebe Becomes First Ugandan Artiste to Perform under 'Dome' at Kololo|date=2018-07-18|website=Trumpet News|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-27}}</ref>

==Political life==
Bebe Cool supported Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni in the 2021 presidential elections in Uganda and also a member of the MK movement project<ref>{{Citation |title=Bebe Cool performing live in Soroti at Gen. Muhoozi Teso tour |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3IZ3f5dlMM |access-date=2024-01-26 |language=en}}</ref>

==Awards==
'''Won:'''
*2004 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] – Best Reggae Artiste/Group<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pamawards.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage |title=The Pearl Of Africa Music Awards |date= |access-date=2015-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204005728/http://pamawards.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage |archive-date=4 February 2005 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
*2005 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] – Best Reggae Artiste/Group<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pamawards.com/pages/2005.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702053829/http://pamawards.com/pages/2005.php |archive-date=2007-07-02 |title=PAM Awards |date=2007-07-02 |access-date=2015-06-02}}</ref>
*2006 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] – Best Reggae Artiste/Group<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ugandaonline.net/2006 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121204190055/http://www.ugandaonline.net/2006 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-12-04 |title=2006 Uganda Pam Awards Winners |publisher=Uganda Online |date= |access-date=2015-06-02 }}</ref>
*2006 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] – Song of the Year<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ugandaonline.net/2006 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121204190055/http://www.ugandaonline.net/2006 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-12-04 |title=2006 Uganda Pam Awards Winners |publisher=Ugandaonline.net |date= |access-date=2015-06-02 }}</ref>
*2007 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] – Best Reggae Artiste/Group<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.museke.com/node/1617 |title=Home of the African Music Fan |publisher=Museke.com |date= |access-date=2015-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304190544/http://www.museke.com/node/1617 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
*2007 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] – Best Male Artiste<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.ugpulse.com/articles/daily/Entertainment.asp?about=2007+PAM+Awards%3A+The+Winners&ID=748 |title=2007 PAM Awards: The Winners |publisher=Ugpulse.com |date= |access-date=2015-06-02}}</ref>
*2007 [[Channel O Music Video Awards]] -Video of the year<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.museke.com/en/node/1534 |title=Home of the African Music Fan |publisher=Musek.come |date= |access-date=2015-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709045050/http://www.museke.com/en/node/1534 |archive-date=9 July 2015 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
*2008 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] – Best Male Artist & Best Reggae Artiste/Group & Best Ragga Artiste/Group<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.museke.com/en/node/2396 |title=Home of the African Music Fan |publisher=Museke |date= |access-date=2015-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605193501/http://www.museke.com/en/node/2396 |archive-date=5 June 2015 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
*2010 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] – Artist of the Year 2010, Best Reggae Artiste/Group and Album of the year<ref>[http://videos.2shyentertainment.com/articles/read-bebe-cool-triumphs-at-the-2010-pam-awards_105.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106012820/http://videos.2shyentertainment.com/articles/read-bebe-cool-triumphs-at-the-2010-pam-awards_105.html|date=6 January 2011}}</ref>
*2011 [[Pearl of Africa Music Awards]] – Best Male Artist<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15818:pam-awards-never-short-on-surprises |title=The Observer |publisher=Observer.ug |date=2011-11-11 |access-date=2015-06-02}}</ref>
*2013 HiPipo Music Awards – Best Reggae Song with Rema (''Missing You'')<ref name="hipipo1">{{cite web |url=http://www.hipipo.com/hma/news/494/Hipipo-Music-Awards-2013-Winners-Bebe-Cool--Navio--Walukaga--Rema-Win-Big |title=Music For Nature &#124; Videos &#124; News &#124; Uganda &#124; East Africa |publisher=HiPipo.com |date=2013-08-03 |access-date=2015-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709141542/http://www.hipipo.com/hma/news/494/Hipipo-Music-Awards-2013-Winners-Bebe-Cool--Navio--Walukaga--Rema-Win-Big |archive-date=9 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*2013 HiPipo Music Awards – Artist of the Year<ref name="hipipo1"/>
*2014 HiPipo Music Awards – Best Male REGGAE Song : Love Letter – Bebe Cool and Irene Ntale<ref name="hipipo4">{{cite web |url=http://www.hipipo.com/hma/2014/news/553/Full-List-Of-Winners-Hipipo-Music-Awards-2014 |title=HiPipo Music Awards &#124; The Fans Decide |publisher=Hipipo.com |date= |access-date=2015-06-02 |archive-date=18 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218163446/http://www.hipipo.com/hma/2014/news/553/Full-List-Of-Winners-Hipipo-Music-Awards-2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*2014 HiPipo Music Awards – Best Male RAGGA-DANCEHALL Song : Kokodiosis<ref name="hipipo4"/>
*2014 HiPipo Music Awards – Best on Stage Performer :<ref name="hipipo4"/>
*2014 HiPipo Music Awards – Best Artist on Social Media<ref name="hipipo4"/>
*2014 HiPipo Music Awards – Best Male Artist<ref name="hipipo4"/>
*2014 HiPipo Music Awards – Artist of the Year<ref name="hipipo4"/>
*2015 HiPipo Music Awards – Best Male REGGAE Song : Love You Everyday – Bebe Cool <ref name="hipipo3">{{cite web |url=http://hma.hipipo.com/08/02/2015/winners-of-the-3rd-hipipo-music-awards/ |title=Winners of the 3rd HiPipo Music Awards &#124; HiPipo Music Awards |publisher=Hma.hipipo.com |date= |access-date=2015-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404132229/http://hma.hipipo.com/08/02/2015/winners-of-the-3rd-hipipo-music-awards/ |archive-date=4 April 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*2015 HiPipo Music Awards – Video of the Year : Love You Every - Bebe Cool <ref name="hipipo3"/>
*2015 HiPipo Music Awards – Best Concert Performance - Best of Bebe Cool Concert :<ref name="hipipo4"/>
*2015 HiPipo Music Awards – Most Active Fans Group - Gagamel Phamily :<ref name="hipipo4"/>
*2015 HiPipo Music Awards – Best Male Artist <ref name="hipipo3"/>
*2015 HiPipo Music Awards – Artist of the Year<ref name="hipipo3"/>


'''Nominated:'''
'''Nominated:'''
*2003 [[Kora Awards]] - Best East African Artist <ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20040302070738/www.koraawards.co.za/english/musicawards_finalists_res03.asp?Category_en=Best+Artist+-+East+Africa Kora Awards Nominees 2003]</ref>
*2003 [[Kora Awards]] – Best East African Artist<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.koraawards.co.za/english/musicawards_finalists_res03.asp?Category_en=Best+Artist+-+East+Africa |title=Kora Awards |date= |access-date=2015-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040302070738/http://www.koraawards.co.za/english/musicawards_finalists_res03.asp?Category_en=Best+Artist+-+East+Africa |archive-date=2 March 2004 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
*2007 [[MOBO Awards]]
*[[2011 Tanzania Music Awards]] - Best East African Song ('Kasepiki')<ref>allAfrica.com: [http://allafrica.com/stories/201102220178.html '20 Percent' Grabs Seven Kili Music Awards Nominations]</ref>
*[[2011 Tanzania Music Awards]] – Best East African Song ('Kasepiki')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201102220178.html|title=Tanzania: '20 Percent' Grabs Seven Kili Music Awards Nominations|publisher=Allafrica.com|access-date=2015-06-02}}</ref>
*2013 HiPipo Music Awards – Best Reggae Song (''Ntuyo Zange''), Best Dancehall/Ragga Song (''No Body Move''), Best Musician on Social Media<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hipipo.com/hma/news/481/List-Of-Nominees-For-The-1st-Hipipo-Music-Awards--hma--Released- |title=Music For Nature &#124; Videos &#124; News &#124; Uganda &#124; East Africa |publisher=HiPipo.com |date=2013-08-03 |access-date=2015-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626104220/http://www.hipipo.com/hma/news/481/List-Of-Nominees-For-The-1st-Hipipo-Music-Awards--hma--Released- |archive-date=26 June 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Nominated in Afrimma Awards 2014
* Australia Radio Afro Song of the Year 2015
* Nominated in Afrimma Awards 2018 " Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa and Best African Rock categories" .<ref>{{cite web| url=https://bigeye.ug/bebe-cool-nominated-in-prestigious-afrima-ghana-awards/ |title=Bebe Cool Nominated in Prestigious AFRIMA-Ghana Awards |publisher=BigEye Uganda |date=12 October 2018 | access-date=28 October 2019 |author=Big Eye |place=Kampala}}</ref>


== References ==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.musicuganda.com/Bebe%20cool.html Musicuganda.com - Bebe Cool]
*[http://www.howwe.biz/BebeCool Bebe Cool Music]
*[http://www.howwe.biz/BebeCool/videos Bebe Cool Videos]

{{Authority control}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME = Cool, Bebe
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = September 1, 1977
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cool, Bebe}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cool, Bebe}}
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Ugandan musicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Ugandan male singers]]
[[Category:Musicians from Kampala]]

[[Category:People educated at Makerere College School]]
[[it:Bebe Cool]]
[[sw:Bebe Cool]]

Latest revision as of 06:09, 7 January 2025

Bebe Cool
Bebe Cool at the HiPipo Music Awards in 2014
Bebe Cool at the HiPipo Music Awards in 2014
Background information
Birth nameMusa Ssali
Also known asBig Size
Born (1977-09-01) 1 September 1977 (age 47)
OriginKampala, Uganda
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, artist, record producer, actor, philanthropist
InstrumentVocals
Years activec. 1997–present
Websitehttps://bebecool.co.ug/

Bebe Cool (real name Moses Ssali; born on 1 September 1977) is a Ugandan reggae and ragga musician. He started his career around 1997 in Nairobi, Kenya, but moved back to his native country a few years later. Bebe Cool was one of the first artists affiliated with Ogopa DJs, a production house and record label in Kenya.

Early life

[edit]

Bebe Cool attended Aga Khan Primary School, in Kampala, Kitante Hill School, and Makerere College School, where he attended school studies, but dropped out of school one year prior to completion. At high school, he studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics (PCB/M) at Makerere College School. Bebe Cool (formerly Bebe Bunton) started his music career right from high school when he was an entertainment prefect.[1]

Music career

[edit]

Bebe Cool is a three-time winner of the Artist of The Year Award at the Prestigious HiPipo Music Awards[2] and won several accolades at Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards).[3] He was nominated for the Kora All-African Awards in 2003 and 2005. He has toured in the United Kingdom and the United States.[4] Two of his popular singles are "Fitina" and "Mambo Mingi".[5] Bebe Cool was elected as the finance minister of the Uganda National Musicians' Federation (UNMF) headed by Eddy Kenzo in 2023.[6]

He also collaborated with Halima Namakula, a Ugandan veteran woman musician, on their crossover track "Sambagala".[7] He released two solo albums, Maisha and Sente. His lyrics are in Luganda, Swahili, and English. Together with Kenyan duo Necessary Noize, Bebe Cool formed a reggae group known as the East African Bashment Crew. They have released one album, Fire, and two hit singles, "Africa Unite" and "Fire". The group was nominated at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2008.[8]

In 2013, Bebe Cool had a music battle with one of Nigeria's top artists D'banj in a neutral place, Glamis Arena Harare Zimbabwe.[9] The show was organized under the theme "Battle for Africa". Bebe Cool put up a great performance at the battle.[9]

In 2014, Bebe Cool’s remade Born in Africa remix song, a remake of the late Philly Lutaaya's song was voted among Africa’s greatest songs of all time.[10][11]

The song came at number 15 in Fifty anthems for the African continent. BBC World Service listeners suggested the African songs that summed up the continent to them.[10] This was to mark the 50th anniversary of the African Union – formerly the Organization of African Unity, From the suggestions, the BBC’s DJ Edu, who hosts a weekly African music show on BBC radio, compiled them into a special five-minute mix of 50 songs from 50 countries.[10]

Bebe Cool has performed in the Big Brother house twice. From 2016 to 2018, there was rising controversy against Bebe Cool for being a chief organizer for Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the president of Uganda who had been described by international media outlets as dictatorial. Ugandans at one time chased him off the stage in a show before he could sing.[12]

Bebe Cool won one Afrima award for the best East African male artist in 2018.[13]

Personal life

[edit]

In January 2010, Bebe was injured when a policeman shot him in the leg.[14][15]

On 11 July 2010, Bebe Cool was performing at the Kyadondo Rugby Club when a bomb set by Somali terrorist group al-Shabaab exploded (July 2010 Kampala attacks). According to Cool, "Most people who died were just in front of me. The blast was so loud—the next thing I saw were body parts flying over."[16]

Zuena Kirema

Bebe Cool is married to Zuena Kirema. In 2022, the couple celebrated 20 years in marriage.[17]

Philanthropy

[edit]

In 2008, Bebe Cool performed for the Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Tribute in Hyde Park, London. He was also named by Nelson Mandela as one of the 46664 African ambassadors. 46664 is a campaign of raising awareness against HIV/AIDS that was initiated by the late Nelson Mandela.[18]

On 3 August 2018, at a concert called The Golden Heart, Bebe Cool fundraised to sponsor five children with heart diseases to receive medical treatment in India.[19][20]

Political life

[edit]

Bebe Cool supported Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni in the 2021 presidential elections in Uganda and also a member of the MK movement project[21]

Awards

[edit]

Won:

Nominated:

  • 2003 Kora Awards – Best East African Artist[35]
  • 2007 MOBO Awards
  • 2011 Tanzania Music Awards – Best East African Song ('Kasepiki')[36]
  • 2013 HiPipo Music Awards – Best Reggae Song (Ntuyo Zange), Best Dancehall/Ragga Song (No Body Move), Best Musician on Social Media[37]
  • Nominated in Afrimma Awards 2014
  • Australia Radio Afro Song of the Year 2015
  • Nominated in Afrimma Awards 2018 " Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa and Best African Rock categories" .[38]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ New Times Reporter (2000). "Celebrity Central: Bebe Cool". New Times (Rwanda). Kigali. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  2. ^ HiPipo (3 August 2013). "Music For Nature | Videos | News | Uganda | East Africa". HiPipo.com. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  3. ^ Joseph Ssemutooke (7 November 2010). "PAM Awards: The Winner Is." New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
  4. ^ Steven Tendo (2004). "Bebe Cool by Steven Tendo". Kampala: Music In Uganda. Archived from the original (Archived from the original on 5 September 2012) on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
  5. ^ MTV Base Africa (28 September 2007). "Profile of Moses Ssali aka Bebe Cool". MTV Base Africa. Archived from the original (Archived from the original on 28 September 2007) on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  6. ^ Asingwire, Mzee (5 May 2023). "Musician Federation: Kenzo elected president; Bebe Cool finance minister". Pulse Uganda. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  7. ^ Sambagala, 3 April 2008, retrieved 18 February 2023
  8. ^ Alireid42 (8 October 2008). "MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) 2008 - The Nominees". Museke.com. Archived from the original (Archived from the original on 14 July 2011) on 14 July 2011. Retrieved 29 October 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ a b Tinotenda Samukange (28 October 2013). "D'Banj Disappoints As Bebe Cool Shines". NewsDay Zimbabwe. Harare. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  10. ^ a b c Roy Ruva (24 June 2014). "Bebe Cool's Song In Top 50 BBC Anthems For The African Continent". Kampala: Chano8.com. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  11. ^ Born In Africa by Bebe Cool, 28 November 2000, retrieved 18 February 2023
  12. ^ "11 suspects arrested for pelting bottles at Bebe Cool". Monitor. 19 July 2020. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  13. ^ "Bebe cool wins best male East African artist at AFRIMA awards". New Vision. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  14. ^ Monitor Online Team (30 January 2010). "Bebe Cool Shot, Rushed to Nsambya Hospital". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  15. ^ NADESKA ALEXIS (2 January 2010). "Ugandan Artist Bebe Cool Shot Following R. Kelly Concert". theboombox.
  16. ^ Peter Wonacott and Nicholas Bariyo (13 July 2010). "Militants Find Symbolic Targets in Uganda". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  17. ^ "Bebe Cool appreciates Zuena as couple celebrates 20 years and together the couple has four children". New Vision. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  18. ^ Andrew Kaggwa (10 December 2013). "Meeting Mandela Was Better Than Music Awards - Bebe Cool". The Observer (Uganda). Kampala. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
  19. ^ Eye, Big (3 September 2018). "Bebe Cool sees off kids with heart problems to India for surgery. [Photo]". BigEye.UG. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  20. ^ "Golden Heart Concert; Bebe Becomes First Ugandan Artiste to Perform under 'Dome' at Kololo". Trumpet News. 18 July 2018. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  21. ^ Bebe Cool performing live in Soroti at Gen. Muhoozi Teso tour, retrieved 26 January 2024
  22. ^ "The Pearl Of Africa Music Awards". Archived from the original on 4 February 2005. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  23. ^ "PAM Awards". 2 July 2007. Archived from the original on 2 July 2007. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  24. ^ "2006 Uganda Pam Awards Winners". Uganda Online. Archived from the original on 4 December 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  25. ^ "2006 Uganda Pam Awards Winners". Ugandaonline.net. Archived from the original on 4 December 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  26. ^ "Home of the African Music Fan". Museke.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  27. ^ "2007 PAM Awards: The Winners". Ugpulse.com. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  28. ^ "Home of the African Music Fan". Musek.come. Archived from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  29. ^ "Home of the African Music Fan". Museke. Archived from the original on 5 June 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  30. ^ [1] Archived 6 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  31. ^ "The Observer". Observer.ug. 11 November 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  32. ^ a b "Music For Nature | Videos | News | Uganda | East Africa". HiPipo.com. 3 August 2013. Archived from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  33. ^ a b c d e f g h "HiPipo Music Awards | The Fans Decide". Hipipo.com. Archived from the original on 18 December 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  34. ^ a b c d "Winners of the 3rd HiPipo Music Awards | HiPipo Music Awards". Hma.hipipo.com. Archived from the original on 4 April 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  35. ^ "Kora Awards". Archived from the original on 2 March 2004. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  36. ^ "Tanzania: '20 Percent' Grabs Seven Kili Music Awards Nominations". Allafrica.com. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  37. ^ "Music For Nature | Videos | News | Uganda | East Africa". HiPipo.com. 3 August 2013. Archived from the original on 26 June 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  38. ^ Big Eye (12 October 2018). "Bebe Cool Nominated in Prestigious AFRIMA-Ghana Awards". Kampala: BigEye Uganda. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
[edit]
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