Kampala, Uganda – Legendary Ugandan musician Bebe Cool has unveiled an ambitious $20 million plan to merge the country’s booming music industry with its world-renowned coffee sector—and he’s calling on the government to foot the bill.
In a bold proposal, the Gagamel boss revealed he’s lobbying President Yoweri Museveni for funding to propel Ugandan music and coffee onto the global stage.
His strategy? Invest $1 million annually in four artists (two male, two female), turning them into international stars while mandating they promote Uganda’s coffee abroad.
Music Meets Agriculture: A Dual Marketing Strategy
Bebe Cool’s vision hinges on a unique trade-off: artists who receive state-backed promotion must actively champion Ugandan coffee through concerts, social media, and international appearances.
“If we can do that with four artists every year, we’d have 20 artists by Museveni’s next term—and we’d have used only $20 million,” he explained.
The singer pointed to his upcoming album, Break The Chains, as a proof-of-concept, self-funding the project to create a blueprint for government backing.
“I had to dig into my pocket first, do the project, document everything, and present it as evidence,” he said.
Why This Plan Could Work
- Global Reach: Uganda’s coffee is already a top export—pairing it with music could amplify brand recognition.
- Artist Development: A $1M annual investment per artist could fund world-class production, tours, and marketing.
- Patriotism & Profit: Artists gain fame while boosting a key national industry.
Challenges Ahead
While the idea is innovative, questions remain:
- Will the government commit $20M amid competing priorities?
- Can artists effectively cross-promote coffee without seeming forced?
- How will selection criteria for funded artists be determined?
Industry Reactions
Some insiders applaud Bebe Cool’s outside-the-box thinking, while others caution that transparency and accountability must be prioritized.
“This could revolutionize how Uganda markets itself—if executed properly,” said one industry analyst.
What’s Next?
Bebe Cool plans to present his proposal formally to Museveni soon. If approved, 2025 could mark the start of a new era for Ugandan music and agriculture.
