Renowned Ugandan music icon Bebe Cool is once again proving his versatility with the release of his latest single, “Motivation.” The track is the second official release from his forthcoming album, Break the Chains, set to drop later this year.
Following the success of his earlier single, “Circumference,” Bebe Cool continues to explore the rich sounds of Afrobeats, adding a fresh, mellow touch to his evolving discography.
To mark the launch of “Motivation,” the artist introduced an annual event dubbed “Motivation Week,” which will take place every year following Valentine’s Day.
During a roundtable discussion with media professionals, he highlighted his vision for the weeklong event while unveiling the new single.
A hallmark of Bebe Cool’s enduring success has been his ability to evolve with the times. From pioneering Bax-Ragga in 2016 to embracing Amapiano, he has continuously reinvented his sound.
His upcoming album, Break the Chains, seems to embody this artistic fluidity, as evidenced by its first two singles.
“Motivation,” produced by longtime collaborator Bushington (George Kagoda) alongside Melanin Boy, is an Afrobeats-inspired love anthem. Contrary to expectations that the song might narrate his personal struggles and triumphs, Bebe Cool delivers a heartfelt love story, celebrating devotion and connection.
The track takes a different approach from “Circumference,” which left some Ugandans questioning its alignment with his signature style. Instead, “Motivation” finds a middle ground between his musical evolution and the familiar sounds fans have embraced over the last 25 years.
Though absent of reggae or dancehall influences, “Motivation” recalls Bebe Cool’s earlier hits like “Freedom” and “Love You Everyday.” The track’s infectious hook—“my motivation…”—lingers in listeners’ minds, making it an undeniable earworm.
Accompanying the song is a visually striking music video directed by Garrick Williams and Bushington. Williams, who also helmed “Circumference,” brings his signature finesse to this latest visual masterpiece.
The video expands on the theme of mysterious veiled women first introduced in “Circumference,” while shifting focus to a more profound message—that love transcends physical appearances.
The casting of Bebe Cool’s love interest, a heavily tattooed woman, reinforces this theme, depicting love as a force beyond societal norms and expectations. Their on-screen chemistry paints them as a dynamic duo, making pivotal business and life decisions together.
The track’s audio production was meticulously crafted, with Brian Putaralski handling mixing and Jesse Ray overseeing the mastering. Studio engineers Anel Lukwago and Anko Ronnie also contributed to refining the final sound.
With “Motivation” now available on all streaming platforms, Bebe Cool’s latest offering sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating full-length album.
If “Motivation” and “Circumference” are any indications, Break the Chains will showcase the artist’s evolution while staying true to the essence that has made him a household name in Ugandan music.