Ugandan music icon Moses Ssali alias Bebe Cool has opened up about why he charges premium performance fees, insisting that his appearances generate huge profits for event organizers and venue owners.
Speaking during an appearance on the Talk and Talk Show, the celebrated reggae artist said his brand has been built over decades and cannot be attached to low-budget events.
“If I come to perform at your venue, you can sell alcohol worth Shs 100 million or even Shs 200 million,I can’t put my brand on small bookings. First and foremost, I buy new outfits for every performance, and I never repeat them. I can wear an outfit worth Shs 15 million for a single show.”, Bebe Cool revealed.
The veteran musician explained that maintaining his status as one of Uganda’s top entertainers comes with significant expenses. From designer outfits to professional production standards, he says every performance requires substantial investment.
Bebe Coolargued that event promoters often focus on an artist’s booking fee while overlooking the revenue generated from ticket sales, beverage purchases, publicity, and increased customer turnout.
According to the “wire wire” singer, accepting low-paying gigs would diminish the value of a brand he has spent more than two decades building in the music industry.
The award-winning artist maintained that his pricing reflects professionalism, consistency, and the commercial impact he brings wherever he performs.
His comments have sparked mixed reactions online. While some fans praised his business-minded approach and commitment to quality, others questioned whether such high fees are affordable for many event organizers.
Despite the debate, Bebe Cool remains unapologetic, insisting that protecting his brand and maintaining high standards will always come before accepting cheaper bookings.
