Ziza Bafana: I respect Bebe Cool, but he sabotages my music

Ziza Bafana has addressed comparisons between himself and Bebe Cool, clarifying that while many Ugandan musicians take inspiration from Jamaica, he chooses to compete with them rather than copy their style.

Bafana, who has often been outspoken about the state of Uganda’s music industry, revealed that he holds respect for Bebe Cool but believes the veteran singer has not done enough to uplift local talent.

I like and respect Bebe Cool a lot, but he’s among the people who fight my music.

I’m not saying this for him to listen, because when I joined the industry, I didn’t come from Gagamel. I sang and got on top of Gagamel. The name Gagamel itself is from Buju Banton. I’m self-made. I don’t copy.

Bafana further pointed out that while Bebe Cool has long been accused of imitating the Jamaican lifestyle and music culture, his own focus has been to stand tall in the same space as the Jamaicans themselves.

“Bebe Cool copies Jamaicans, but for me, I’m competing with them,” Bafana said.