Renowned African music heavyweight Bebe Cool has once again ignited conversations with his latest single, Circumference. As the first release from his upcoming album, Break The Chains, the song has become a hot topic since its debut on December 13, 2024. Produced by the acclaimed Philkeys, the track marks a bold departure from Bebe Cool’s usual style, embracing a fresh Afrobeats sound that has polarized listeners across the continent.
The move has stirred mixed reactions, with some applauding the artist’s willingness to evolve, while others are hesitant to embrace the new direction. Notably, fellow Ugandan artist A-Pass, known both for his musical prowess and his often critical takes, offered a balanced perspective on the song during an appearance on NBS TV’s After 5.
“I think Circumference is one of the top five songs on his upcoming album. It’s clear that Bebe Cool has invested heavily in this project, collaborating with Nigerian songwriters and producers, and ensuring the mixing and mastering is top-notch,” A-Pass shared. He acknowledged that this shift in style might take time for fans to fully appreciate but commended the effort behind the project.
A-Pass also addressed the criticism Bebe Cool frequently faces, noting that much of it stems from political disagreements rather than an honest assessment of his music. “We need to recognize the foundation Bebe Cool and others like Jose Chameleone and Mesach Semakula have laid for the Ugandan music industry. They’ve sacrificed so much to bring it to where it is today,” he remarked.
One element of Circumference that has drawn particular attention is its use of pidgin English a linguistic choice that may challenge some listeners. Nevertheless, A-Pass urged fans to look beyond the lyrics and appreciate the song’s stellar production quality, calling it a standout on the album.
Bebe Cool’s strategic release of Circumference has already paid off, with the track landing on major Spotify playlists and garnering attention across Africa. The artist, currently in the UK, has hinted at an imminent release of the song’s visuals, further fueling excitement for what’s to come. Additionally, he responded positively to a suggestion from socialite Sheila Gashumba to stage a concert later this year, signaling that 2025 could be a big year for the star.
As Circumference continues to spark conversations, Bebe Cool’s daring approach to music is a reminder that evolution often comes with its share of challenges and rewards. Whether fans ultimately embrace this new chapter remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Bebe Cool is determined to keep pushing boundaries.