The former Gagamel Crew member-turned-politician Tuff B has weighed in on the long-standing rivalry between Bebe Cool and Bobi Wine, calling the comparisons “unfair” and “misleading.”
Tuff B, once a loyal member of the Gagamel Crew, has shocked many by publicly dissing his former mentor, Bebe Cool, and defending his current political ally, Bobi Wine, during an exclusive interview on Deep Talk. Tuff B, who now considers Bobi Wine his "president," took issue with the ongoing comparisons between the two Ugandan music icons, insisting that they have fundamentally different mindsets and purposes.
Tuff B believes that Bebe Cool's world revolves around his family and personal affairs, while Bobi Wine is driven by a greater purpose – the welfare of the Ugandan people, particularly the youth. He expressed disappointment over attempts to draw similarities between the two, saying that such comparisons only serve to diminish Bobi Wine’s larger vision.
"Do not put Robert Kyagulanyi in the same sentence as Moses Ssali," Tuff B stated firmly. “Moses Ssali’s world stops at him and his family. I have nothing against him, but Robert Kyagulanyi’s world is centered around every Ugandan young boy.”
Tuff B, who once idolized Bebe Cool and even worked alongside him on hit tracks like Dogo Lyo in response to Bobi Wine’s Matyansi Butyampa, now finds himself deeply aligned with Bobi Wine's political movement. He believes Bobi’s commitment to social change and the youth is unmatched in Uganda’s entertainment and political scene.
Tuff B’s shift from being a staunch Gagamel Crew supporter to joining Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) is nothing short of dramatic. Despite his history with Bebe Cool, Tuff B has made it clear that his current allegiance lies with the political ideology that Bobi Wine represents.
Recalling his first encounter with Bobi Wine, Tuff B explained that he initially saw the singer as a "gangster" surrounded by a large entourage. However, over time, Tuff B came to understand the deeper motivations behind Bobi Wine’s actions and began to respect him more for his vision for Uganda.
"When the Firebase war bus stopped, over 25 of them would step out. Bobi Wine had a real ‘ggali’ (gang). At first, you wouldn’t even be able to approach him because of the tough exterior. But over time, you realize that the gangster you see is not the full picture. He’s a man with a mission,” Tuff B revealed.
Tuff B’s comments come at a time when Uganda’s music industry is still heavily divided along political lines. Bobi Wine has positioned himself as a youth icon and a symbol of political resistance, while Bebe Cool has been a staunch ally of the ruling government, often using his platform to endorse political leaders and policies.
For many fans, the question of whether Bobi Wine or Bebe Cool represents the "true" voice of Uganda has been a long-standing debate. Tuff B’s support for Bobi Wine is a clear indication of where his allegiance lies – with the future of Uganda’s youth, and the belief that Bobi Wine is the leader who can bring about real change.
Tuff B expressed frustration at the ongoing attempts to compare Bobi Wine and Bebe Cool, suggesting that doing so undermines the unique contributions each of them makes to the country. While Bebe Cool continues to be a dominant figure in the music scene, his political stance remains deeply tied to the government. Bobi Wine, on the other hand, has emerged as a figure of resistance and hope for many young Ugandans.
Tuff B made it clear: comparing the two is not just unfair – it’s misleading. "When you make such comparisons, you’re diminishing the purpose behind what Bobi Wine is trying to achieve for every Ugandan," Tuff B stated.
As the rivalry between the two artists continues to shape public discourse, it’s clear that Tuff B’s loyalty lies firmly with Bobi Wine and his mission to empower Uganda’s youth. The music and political scenes remain intertwined, with both artists playing pivotal roles in shaping Uganda’s future.
