As it has always been a norm, Ugandan musician Moses Ssali alias Bebe Cool Monday released the list of his top performers in the music industry in his customary “Bebe Cool List of 2023.”
The Gagamel Boss whilst appearing on NBS TV’s After5 show said the musicians who made to his list exceptionally impressed in the music industry and had outstanding songs by far in the year 2023.
Among the artistes Bebe Cool lauded was NTV’s Krysto whom he hailed for being consistent and maintaining his style of jumping on trending slangs to produce hit songs.
Bebe explained that Panda’s song Empele, released in December 2022 became very popular in the year 2023 introducing a new style of dancing.
The Love You Everyday singer also hailed Panda’s Collabo with Winne Nwangi – Mukisenge which also made its way to his list of best songs in 2023.
Additionally, Bebe Cool was full of praise for King Saha who he said took his advice on drug abuse and focused on producing some good music last year.
Of course, Bebe could end the list without giving a special shout-out to Alien Skin for his hit songs like Party, Twayiseko Dda and Binyuma Bitya (with Clever J).
According to the Gagamel Boss, Alien Skin was his artiste of the year while Vryoota was named the breakthrough artiste of 2023.
Below is Bebe Cool’s list of top songs in 2023;
1. ALIEN SKIN (Party, Twayiseko Dda, Binyuma Bitya ft Clever J)
The cardinal duty of a legendary artist like Bebe Cool is to offer guidance, counseling, and knowledge to everyone. However, it depends on those who choose to positively relate and embrace it. Last year, I spoke about Alien Skin with good music but retaliating behavior. However, this young man took the advice, and polished his image, evident in his current dress code and public address. Alien Skin is not your normal good artist by vocal capabilities but rather an impressive creator of his style with an “I don’t care attitude.” This is important for young people to have confidence and believe in whatever they do. Alien has come back on top of this list with two major hit songs; “Party, Twayiseko Dda,” followed by several statement songs that might not have made it to clubs and airwaves but were vibrant on social media. Such songs include; “kisunda, Kubalumya Mitwe, Ready Fi War, Obwenzi, I am Me.” He reminds me of the old days of Bebe Cool and Jose Chameleon fresh from Nairobi, not forgetting Bobi Wine when we integrated beef and showbiz into the music. The audience had a lot of things to talk about, hence paying attention to our songs. Alien mastered the art of social media and beef, integrating the two into his music, thus sealing this year as the Artist of the Year. Well in, my friend, and good luck.
2. VINKA (Bailando)
Vinka has the biggest song among female artists this year. She has successfully and strategically been positioned by her record company- Swangz- to have big songs with other artists. These include; Believe and Chekecha. Even if she doesn’t own these songs, she shares credit for expertly executing two of the best collaborations of 2023.
3. DAX VYBZ (Believe)
I bring him third because I was surprised that such a good song came out from Dax, an individual I thought would not have a vocal range. I was truly surprised by his urban execution, despite the fact that he hails from Dangala Komwokya. I credit Dax for this masterpiece, only if he maintains this direction, he’ll surely make it as a surprise among his averagely talented brothers.
4. EDDY KENZO (Balipila Boda)
If up to now you haven’t known who he is, now you should know that this is the typical Eddy Kenzo Style. “Balipila Boda” appears on the list as it surprises me and many how it penetrated the audience, a hit song is one that is widely embraced by the audience and it is.
5. REMA NAMAKULA (Tonight)
Reema Namakula this time appears on the list. I have seen her emerge as a young talent. Her success doesn’t surprise me at all. I congratulate her for appearing on the Bebe Cool list 2023 with ‘Tonight,’ and I definitely wish her all the best in 2024.
6. JOSHUA BARAKA (Nana)
“Oooonana baibie” is one of the biggest songs of 2023, even bigger than the artist himself. This young man with special talent amongst many is expected to excel but only if he works hard. His music directs to a trending afro-beat sound which the Ugandan audience wants to see Ugandan artists engage in. I wish him the very best and am sure he is on the right direction.
7. UGA BOYZ FT SELECTOR JEFF (Salary)
Surely Uganda is an amazing country, as the president always says, “anyone can survive here.” So many artists came up with ideas, but this was the best idea among many. It makes sense depending on how you analyze life. “wabula-Bwenafuna ku salary njakunyulwa e’baala.”
8. OMEGA 256 (This year)
Indeed this year we have a ‘regional’ artist breaking through on the Bebe Cool list against many odds. This shows that you don’t need to hail from Kampala to have a big song in the industry. I want to give flowers to this artist and pledge my support to her whenever she needs it. Congratulations OMEGA 256, and I wish you good luck.
9. VYROOTA. (Risk, Ex twafuna Sente)
Congratulations, Vyroota, for emerging as the breakthrough artist on the Bebe Cool list. Indeed, this young man has talent, and it’s not the first time I have heard about his name. However, the challenge is upon you to prove because you have competitors in 2024. Embrace them and continue singing nice melodies. Best of luck.
10. OMUTUME PLANET (Kyaayi we’njaye)
The year began at the peak with “Emboozi ya chairman.” Creativity from this young man from nowhere, I loved the idea, played on radios social media. The only problem with such songs is they are difficult to follow, but it doesn’t take away the fact that you appear on the Bebe Cool list despite the negative “content.” My young people enjoy the music but do not imitate contents; stay away from drugs.
11. CRYSTO PANDA (Empele & Mukisenge)
Down to earth. A good young man. Panda is an extremely hardworking individual who deserves everything. This year on Bebe Cool list, I want to appreciate the consistence and improvement Panda has made. Empele is a big song and Mukisenge is big and growing through into the new year. Congratulations Crystal Panda. I can see a light at the end of your tunnel, just like a crystal. All the best my boy.
12. KING SAHA (Money)
With one and a half songs this year, King Saha appears on the Bebe Cool list with Money and maybe “EBISSERA” if given time and thought. Talent with this artist is not questionable, and we still wish him the very best in using his great voice.
13. GRAVITY OMUTUJJU (Okwepicha)
As earlier said, anyone can survive in Uganda, Okwepicha is a viral statement song with a hidden meaning, but it has made an impression onto the local ground. Wabuyu appears again.
14. GABIE NTAATE (Cheza) & TITUS KUTEESA (Ndimulokore)
These are good songs that only need the gospel fraternity to push. Gospel is important in this industry, and I call upon the gospel artists to work harder to push the gospel more to the circular world.
15. BEBE COOL (QUESTION)
It’s difficult for me to include myself on this list, for I make the list. The likes of Jose Chameleon
COLLABOS.
This year was covered by a lot of collaborations, more than singles, I don’t know whether it is lack of self-confidence or artists are too busy, but surely from time immemorial, I have said collabos tend to weaken individual merit. All said and done, good music is good music and I want to applaud the collaborating artists.
Note that collaborating within the same audience doesn’t give you an extra reach but I would prefer cross-border collaborations which definitely introduce you to new audiences. But I still recognize the goodness of these collaborations that made it to the Bebe Cool list.
- Carol Kasita – Chekecha ft Winnie Nwangi, & Vinka
- Tetunazina ft Gravity.
- Fik Gaza- Banana ft Jose Chameleone.
- Fik Famaica – Bwepaba ft Sheebah.
- Hatim & Dockey – Did I die ft sheebah.
- Ava Peace – Shabada ft Mudra Di Viral.
- Feffe Busi – Pretty Pretty Remix ft King Saha.
- Jowie Landa – Sugar dada ft JPC &
- Jowie Landa – EX Twafuna sente ft Vyroota.
COMEDY
The Bebe Cool list would like to appreciate the comedy sector of entertainment as music and comedy work hand in hand and at this note, let me appreciate an individual who has put up an outstanding effort to give Ugandans an option.
I give Alex his flowers and call upon all Ugandans to continue to embrace comedy as it is also an important source of income for the young generation.
Unlike the previous lists, this time around Bebe Cool is rewarding the artists that have appeared on his list with free studio time to a tune of 3 songs at GAGAMEL RECORDS and also offers 3, free Video Camera opportunities to shoot their videos
Disclaimer: The numbering does not necessarily reflect position.
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