Singer Moses Ssali aka Bebe Cool has opened up about the real reason behind his long-standing beef with fellow artist and political figure Bobi Wine, he failed to help him when Zuena left yet he helped whenever they fought with Barbie Itungo.
Speaking candidly during a recent media interview, Bebe Cool (real name Moses Ssali) disclosed that during a time when his wife Zuena Kirema left their home and returned to her parents’, he sought help from Barbie Itungo, Bobi Wine’s wife and a friend to Zuena. Bebe hoped Barbie could intervene and speak to Zuena to help them reconcile. But instead of getting the support he expected, the situation took an ugly turn.
“Barbie used to kunoba and come to my home. But when Zuena left me and went back to her parents’ home, I reached out to Barbie for help. I thought, as a friend to my wife, she would speak to her and help us sort things out. But when Barbie told Bobi Wine about it, instead of helping, he turned around and started insulting me,” Bebe revealed.
The Wire Wire singer says the pain came not just from the insults but the hypocrisy, noting that he had previously offered support to Barbie during her own marital challenges with Bobi.
“His own wife used to run away and come to my place. We would sit, counsel her, and send her back. But when I needed help, he chose to mock me instead. That’s when I realized I couldn’t count on him.”
This emotional moment, Bebe says, marked a turning point in his relationship with Bobi Wine (real name Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu), turning what used to be musical rivalry into a deep personal rift.
Bebe Cool and Bobi Wine were once part of Uganda’s iconic “Big Three” alongside Jose Chameleone, dominating the early 2000s music scene. But over time, their paths diverged—Bobi into politics and activism, and Bebe aligning himself with the ruling NRM government.