Bebe Cool defends Gov’t on Shs750m Diamond Platnumz deal

Kampala, Uganda: Ugandan musician Moses Ssali, popularly known as Bebe Cool, has come out in strong defense of the government’s decision to spend Shs750 million to hire Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz for the Coffee Marathon event held in Ntungamo on May 24, 2025.

Speaking during a live television interview in Kampala on Tuesday, May 27, Bebe Cool said the amount paid was justified, describing Diamond as one of East Africa’s top music exports whose presence added immense value to the event.

“The money was worth every penny. Diamond is not just any artiste—he’s a regional powerhouse,” Bebe Cool said.

The Love You Everyday singer urged Ugandan artistes to stop criticizing the deal and instead use it as a wake-up call to invest more in branding and their musical craft.

“Those who are complaining do not understand how the music business works. I convinced President Museveni to pay artistes Shs400 million for the Tubonga Nawe project, and even then, people thought it was a waste,” he explained.

According to Bebe Cool, an artiste’s booking fee is determined by their brand value and negotiation power. He emphasized that hiring Diamond Platnumz is expensive, especially for international shows.

“Look at the manpower he travels with. For my own part, I also came with a team of 50 bloggers and journalists to Ntungamo, each of whom I paid Shs300,000 for the four days. I wanted every moment of the event to be captured and shared online,” he added.

Bebe also used the interview to rally support for his ambition to become a global Afrobeats star, saying he has invested heavily in his upcoming album.

“I’ve traveled to countries like Nigeria, the UK, and the US to work with top producers. I believe my new sound has global potential,” he said.

He concluded by blaming stagnation in Uganda’s music industry on artistes who have refused to evolve. “Sticking to old sounds is why many concerts in Uganda flop,” Bebe Cool stated.