INTERVIEW: Bebe Cool on his forthcoming Kigali Jazz Junction performance

He is best known to for his energetic reggae, ragga and dancehall music vibes, but Ugandan musician Bebe Cool, real name Moses Ssali, says he is worth more than just that. He jetted into the country on Wednesday morning, ahead of his performance at the Kigali Jazz Junction third year anniversary concert. The Kigali Jazz Junction will take place at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village, on Friday evening. He is one of the two international acts that will headline the show. The other is South African music legend Ringo Madlingozi of the “Sondela” hit fame. It’s not the first or second time you’re performing in Kigali. What has the experience been like? Yes it’s not the first or second time I’m performing in Kigali. The experience is more like I’m home … it’s no longer any different for me in Uganda, it’s only that it’s a bit distant but I feel like I’m performing for the people I’m supposed to be performing for every other day. But I feel happy you know … it’s the East African region and performing before a crowd of people who always look out to watch you and support you throughout the years feels good. So I’m definitely happy I’m coming back to Kigali one more time. You are known primarily as a reggae, ragga, and dancehall artiste. How does it feel being chosen to headline a jazz concert? Being known as a reggae or ragga dancehall artiste, and then I headline a jazz concert is not any different. Music is a language that is heard by so many people of different cultures, language and preferences, so for me as Bebe Cool I’m a dynamic person. When it comes to entertainment what matters most is how you entertain the people using that same music no matter whether it’s a jazz concert or hip hop concert or a dancehall concert. So what matters is the entertainment and that’s what I’m good at. So I’m cool with that man. It feels nice. Your most recent concerts in Kigali have been on CD playback. We are told you will be playing with your full back up band this time... It’s my second time coming to Kigali with a full band. It’s always important because there’s a natural feel with the live band, and secondly, if I travel with my band that usually works with me, then the people are going to get 100 per cent of Bebe Cool, rather than coming to Kigali and then I work with another band. Of course musically it’s okay working with another band, but working with my own band means I’m going to give the people a good show. So I’m looking forward to that kind of experience where people see what it feels like to play live. What do you think of Ringo Madlingozi, the other headline performer at Friday’s show? I myself I am a legend in the music industry so this is one of, if not the biggest concert in Kigali, where you have two great entertainers with very nice music together and then it’s a live performance. I think it’s an experience the people of Kigali must not miss, for those who love entertainment and fun. It’s once in a while where you find two very experienced performers on stage with a live set and everything. You are known for your charisma and longevity in the music industry. What are some of the secrets of your success? It’s just the personality and mission that a person has at a certain time. I’m the kind of person that knows that music is my life. Some people take it as a business but I took it as my life, so I’m not about to give up my own life. That means I’m not about to let go of being on the scene, the only reason for being on the scene being that music is my life. The reason I’m considered a top artist is because I know I had a mission when I started to sing, so until I fulfill that, it’s never going change. But behind all that, the most important thing is how I take my music as my life. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

Lifestyle

INTERVIEW: Bebe Cool on his forthcoming Kigali Jazz Junction performance