Bebe (Inna and Vinka song)

"Bebe" was written by Inna, Vinka and Theea Miculescu, while the production was handled by Sebastian Barac and Marcel Botezan.[1] It was released for digital download in various countries on 4 November 2019 by Global Records.[2] A French, Swahili, Luganda, and English love song,[3][4] "Bebe" was composed during a spontaneous studio session, leading to the creation of its concept, melodic line and refrain.[5] Critical commentary noted the track as a "melancholic" Afro and dancehall-influenced pop song.[5][6][7] Lyrics include: "Je suis folle d’amour avec toi / Mon cœur ne s’arrête pas".[6]

Upon its release, "Bebe" received mixed reviews from music critics. While Mandina Hervé of Radio France International called the song "terribly effective",[8] CelebMix's Jonathan Currinn praised the singers' vocals, as well as the track's catchy and multilingual nature.[4] In a negative review, an Aficia writer described "Bebe" as "relatively banal" and wrote that "the beat is dull. Almost boring", deeming only its title as interesting.[6] OkayAfrica's Camille Storm included the track on her 20 Best East African Songs of 2019 list.[7] Commercially, the track achieved success in Romania, initially peaking at number three on the country's Airplay 100 chart for three weeks as of 23 February 2020.[9][10] On 15 March, "Bebe" topped the chart, becoming Inna's fourth number-one in the country.[11]

The music video was shot at the Bucharest Metro (pictured).

An accompanying music video for "Bebe" was uploaded to Inna's official YouTube channel on 4 November 2019. It was directed by Bogdan Păun, while Alexandru Mureșan acted as the director of photography.[1] RDstyling was hired for the outfits used, while Andra Manea and Anca Buldur completed the make-up, and Adonis Enache and Ana Lăzărescu the hair styling.[12] Product placement of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is incorporated in one scene of the video.[4]

Filmed at the Bucharest Metro,[5] the video opens with a subway train driving past a restricted area and entering a tunnel.[4] As the graffiti-decorated[13] interior of the carriage is shown, it sees Inna and Vinka accompanied by several models.[5] The singers wear Gucci clothing, with Inna sporting a nylon hood over a black bra and loose joggers, while the latter wears a long-length red jacket black shorts paired with striking jewelry and sunglasses. As the clip ends, black-and-white shots of them walking the corridors of the subway are shown.[4][5] Upon its release, the music video was praised by critics. Currinn of CelebMix called the clip one of Inna's "most unforgettable music videos to date" and praised its energy,[4] while InfoMusic's Alex Stănescu commended Inna's fashion as "Cleopatra meets Little Red Riding Hood".[5] Elizabeth Musyimi, writing for The Star, further stated that Inna and Vinka express "their strong personalities through their outfits".[3]

Credits adapted from YouTube.[1]

• Elena Alexandra Apostoleanu (Inna) – lead vocals, songwriter, music
• Veronica Luggya (Vinka) – lead vocals, songwriter, music
• Sebastian Barac – producer, music
• Marcel Botezan – producer, music
• Theea Miculescu – songwriter

• Digital download[2]

1. "Bebe" – 2:53

• List of Airplay 100 number ones of the 2020s