Music icon Bebe Cool has, over the years, mastered the art of dividing opinion. Whether it’s his political beliefs or his music, it’s hard to find people who agree with him wholeheartedly.
This is the case with his trending smash release Circumference, the first single off his upcoming album Break The Chains. The Afrobeats song, produced by renowned producer Philkeys, has got Africa talking and has received mixed reactions since its release on December 13, 2024.
Some wondered why he chose to take a new path with his music, while others have appreciated the fact that he has boldly embraced a whole new sound.
Alex Bagonza, alias A-Pass, another opinionated Ugandan artist and a renowned bold critic of Bebe and Ugandan music, weighed in on Circumference. While appearing on NBS TV’s After 5 show, the dancehall star applauded Bebe Cool for Circumference and clearly stated that “it’s one of his five best songs off Bebe’s highly anticipated Break The Chains album.”
“When you listen to the album, Bebe Cool worked with Nigerian songwriters, producers, and much of the mixing and mastering took place there. He is clearly up to something, and such an investment, at his level, is no small feat,” A-Pass said.
However, he added that since what Bebe Cool is doing is a bit different from what people have been used to, many are likely to struggle to get used to it.
The singer also weighed in on the people who abuse Bebe Cool on social media, saying that many do so blindly, based on their political beliefs. However, A-Pass said that he personally can’t abuse a person who has paved the way for many of them in the music industry.
“Bebe Cool, and his peers like Jose Chameleone, Mesarch, and many others paved the way for many of us, and they have sacrificed a lot over the years to see that this industry flourishes,” he said.
A-Pass pointed out that Bebe Cool’s Circumference is entirely in pidgin English, something many people may have trouble understanding. But he said that shouldn’t be a basis for anyone to misjudge the song. “The production of that song is very nice, and for me, it’s one of my best off his new album,” he remarked.
Bebe Cool announced the release of Circumference in a disruptive manner that got industry stakeholders talking. Since the release, Bebe Cool has been on the cover of Spotify playlists, as well as featured in various African music playlists on the platform.
Currently in the UK, Bebe Cool has promised to release the visuals for the song and also responded positively when socialite Sheila Gashumba tweeted demanding that he stage a concert this year.
