Bebe Cool calls on artists to focus on generational wealth
Bebe Cool said his perspective on the music industry has changed after gaining insights from prominent business figures like Sudhir Ruparelia and Ham Kiggundu.
Musician Moses Ssali, alias Bebe Cool, has urged fellow artists to place a greater emphasis on building generational wealth.
He revealed a shift in his career focus, announcing that he now requires a minimum of Shs10 million for any live performance as he prioritizes long-term wealth creation over his music career.
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In an interview on a local YouTube channel, Bebe Cool said his perspective on the music industry has changed after gaining insights from prominent business figures like Sudhir Ruparelia and Ham Kiggundu.
He revealed that he has significantly reduced his number of performances, as he feels the income from music alone falls short of supporting his ambitions for generational wealth.
“I chose to step back from music performances because I demand high fees,” Bebe Cool stated. “I don’t accept shows that pay below Shs10 million.”
The artist also admitted that his passion for performing has waned. While he remains open to large offers, he expressed that performing has become more of an obligation than a source of joy.
Bebe Cool urged other artists to expand their financial goals and seek opportunities outside the music industry to build lasting wealth.
He criticized music earnings as “childish money,” which he said quickly dissipates once an artist stops performing.
He encouraged his peers to consider investing in industries like construction and production for financial stability.
“We need to engage in ventures that generate substantial income,” he emphasised, highlighting the need for a shift away from short-term earnings in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his musical career, Bebe Cool has ventured into the stone quarry business, investing billions of shillings.
He purchased over 20 acres of land in Masode village, Kiboga district, along Hoima Road, where he oversees the operations of his quarry, aiming to build a sustainable income stream.
Reflecting on his journey, Bebe Cool noted that while he invested heavily in his music career over two decades, his perspective on wealth has shifted with age.
He pointed out that many wealthy Ugandans have achieved their success through business, not entertainment, underscoring the importance of diversifying income sources.
“I realized that our earnings in music are what I would describe as childish. We haven’t yet accessed real money,” Bebe Cool stated.
His comments add to the ongoing discourse about the financial future of Uganda’s artists and the necessity of planning beyond short-lived fame in the entertainment industry.