Bebe Cool facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bebe Cool
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Bebe Cool at the HiPipo Music Awards in 2014
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Musa Ssali |
| Also known as | Big Size |
| Born | 1 September 1977 |
| Origin | Kampala, Uganda |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, artist, record producer, actor, philanthropist |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | c. 1997–present |
Bebe Cool (born Musa Ssali on September 1, 1977) is a famous Ugandan musician who sings reggae and ragga music. He began his music journey around 1997 in Nairobi, Kenya. Later, he moved back to his home country of Uganda. Bebe Cool was one of the first musicians to work with Ogopa Deejays, a well-known music production company in Kenya.
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Early Life and School
Bebe Cool grew up in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. He went to Aga Khan Primary School, Kitante Hill School, and later Makerere College School. In high school, he studied subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. He discovered his passion for music while serving as the entertainment prefect at his school. He started his music career right after high school.
Music Career
Bebe Cool is a very successful artist in Uganda. He has won the "Artist of The Year" award three times at the HiPipo Music Awards. He has also received many other awards from the Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards).
Working with Other Artists
Bebe Cool has worked with many other musicians. He teamed up with a veteran Ugandan singer, Halima Namakula, for the popular song "Sambagala." He also formed a reggae group called the East African Bashment Crew with the Kenyan duo Necessary Noize. The group released an album called Fire and had hit songs like "Africa Unite."
In 2013, Bebe Cool took part in a "music battle" against the famous Nigerian artist D'banj. The friendly competition was held in Zimbabwe and was called the "Battle for Africa."
Famous Songs and Performances
Bebe Cool has released popular songs like "Fitina" and "Mambo Mingi." He sings in three languages: Luganda, Swahili, and English. This helps him connect with fans all over Africa.
In 2014, his remake of the song "Born in Africa" was named one of Africa's greatest songs of all time. The song was originally by another Ugandan artist, Philly Lutaaya. The BBC World Service included it in a special mix of 50 songs celebrating the 50th anniversary of the African Union.
Bebe Cool has performed twice inside the Big Brother reality TV show house. In 2025, he released a new song called "Circumference."
Personal Life
In January 2010, Bebe Cool was seriously injured in his leg during an incident with a policeman.
Later that year, on July 11, 2010, he was performing at a club in Kampala when a bomb exploded. This was part of a series of attacks in the city. Bebe Cool was very close to the explosion but was not hurt. He said that many people near the stage were not as lucky.
Bebe Cool has been married to Zuena Kirema since 2002.
Helping Others
Bebe Cool uses his fame to help people. In 2008, he performed at the Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Tribute concert in London. Nelson Mandela also chose him to be a "46664 African ambassador." 46664 was a campaign started by Mandela to teach people about HIV/AIDS.
In 2018, Bebe Cool held a concert called The Golden Heart. He raised money to help five children with heart problems get medical treatment in India.
Political Life
Bebe Cool has been involved in Ugandan politics. He supported President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the 2021 presidential election. His support for the president has sometimes caused disagreement among his fans. He is also a member of the MK movement project. In 2023, he was chosen to be the finance minister for the Uganda National Musicians' Federation (UNMF).
Awards and Achievements
Bebe Cool has won many awards for his music. Here are some of his major wins:
- Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards)
- Best Reggae Artist/Group (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010)
- Song of the Year (2006)
- Best Male Artist (2007, 2008, 2011)
- Artist of the Year (2010)
- Channel O Music Video Awards
- Video of the Year (2007)
- HiPipo Music Awards
- Artist of the Year (2013, 2014, 2015)
- Video of the Year for "Love You Everyday" (2015)
- Best Male Artist (2014, 2015)
- All Africa Music Awards (Afrima)
- Best East African Male Artist (2018)
He has also been nominated for other major awards, including the Kora Awards, MOBO Awards, and 2011 Tanzania Music Awards.
See also
In Spanish: Bebe Cool para niños
