Gagamel boss Moses Ssali aka Bebe Cool released his much-talked-about “Bebe Cool List 2025”, breaking down who impressed him, who stood out, and where Ugandan music stands right now, leaving so many questions after its release.
According to Bebe Cool, 2025 was more creative than 2024, thanks largely to young artists pushing boundaries. Still, he insists quality matters and not everything passing as music should qualify.
Here’s the Bebe Cool List”
1. Album of the Year: Bebe Cool – Break The Chains
Yes, he crowned himself, saying Break The Chains marked a reinvention, tapping into Afrobeats and Afro-tech. While the album faced skepticism locally, he claims it performed better internationally.
2. Breakout Global Act: Joshua Baraka – Wrong Places
Joshua Baraka gets heavy praise for Wrong Places off his Juvie album. Bebe Cool calls him the best young Ugandan artist with a global sound, applauding his focus, investment and confidence.
3. Best Local Male Artist: Elijah Kitaka
Elijah Kitaka earns his first-ever top male artist nod on the list. With songs like Ekyange, Daily Bundle and Go Remix ft Karole Kasita, Bebe says Kitaka has the humility, style and creativity to go global.
Other Artists Who Made the Cut
- Dax Vybz – At My Door, Good Idea ft Elijah Kitaka
Praised for carving his own lane without leaning on his famous brother. - Kapeke – Kaba
Recognised for catchy hooks, dance energy and crowd connection. - Lydia Jazmine – The One & Only album
Applauded for investing in a 16-track album despite not having a massive hit. - FYNO – Che Che
Finally breaks through after years of writing for others. - Vinka – Lala
Calm, sweet and well executed. - Ray G – Ow’ishe
Not as loud as 2024, but still strong enough to earn a spot. - Uncle Chumi – Gwokute Gobba
Credited for creativity and turning weaknesses into strengths. - Sheebah Karungi
Makes a comeback post-motherhood, even without a huge hit. - Tracy Melon – One to Watch
No breakout song yet, but her name is buzzing everywhere.
Best Collaboration of 2025
4. Cindy Sanyu & Omega 256 – See You Tonight
Bebe Cool calls it the best collab of the year, praising Cindy’s musical strength and Omega’s Western Uganda flavor.
Other notable collabs:
- Kapati – Alien Skin & Naxx
- Wanula – Ava Peace & Temperature
- Ekisododo – Lil Pazo & Latinum
- Misolo Boka – Mad King ft Nandor Love
He urged artists to think global, use technology, and take their careers seriously.
BEBE COOL LIST 2025
(Part One)2025 has been an action-packed year, filled with activities that one may view either as obstructions or as fuel for Uganda’s music industry. However, 2025 was better than 2024 in terms of creativity, as younger artists broke boundaries of the… pic.twitter.com/EsUArAABPv
— Bebe Cool (@BebeCoolUG) January 1, 2026
