Jose Chameleone facts for kids

Joseph Mayanja (born 30 April 1979), better known by the stage name Jose Chameleone, is a Ugandan AfroBeat artist and musician. Chameleone sings in Luganda, English, and Swahili.

Early life and education

Joseph Mayanja was born on 30 April 1979 to Gerald and Prossy Mayanja on 30 April 1979 in Kampala district, as the fourth of eight children.

He went to Nakasero Primary School, Mengo Senior Secondary School, Kawempe Muslim Senior Secondary School, Katikamu Seventh Day Adventist Senior Secondary School, and Progressive Senior Secondary School.

He composed the Kawempe Muslim Secondary School anthem.

Musical career

Chameleone's music style is a mixture of Ugandan folk, central African rumba, zouk, and reggae.

Chameleone's career began in 1996 as a DJ at the Missouri night club in Kampala. He became active as a musician in 1998 in Kenya with the Ogopa Deejays, then a Kenyan record label, which released his first single, "Bageya", featuring Kenyan artist Redsan.

Throughout the years he has had record selling albums locally like Mama Mia, Mambo Bado, Jamila, Kipepeo, Bageya, Shida za Dunia, Bayuda, and Njo Karibu. Although his music is popular all over the African continent, the majority of his fans/listeners are mainly from the central part of Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania).

Albums

Jose Chameleone released his first album in 2000 and by 2013, he has released a total of 13 albums. Some of them include Kipepeo, Shida za dunia, Valu valu, Bayuda, Badilisha, Sweet Banana and Champion. Some of his hit songs include "Valu valu", "Jamila", "Shida za dunia", Bayuda, "Tatizo", "Nkwagala nyo", "Kipepeo", "Dorotia" and "Kipepeo". He performed to the largest audience at the Lugogo Cricket Oval Stadium in Kampala.

Bageya was released in 2000, Mama Mia in 2001, Njo Karibu and The Golden Voice in 2003, Mambo Bado in 2004, Kipepeo in 2005, Shida za Dunia in 2006, Sivyo Ndivyo and Katupakase in 2007, Bayuda in 2009, Vumilia in 2010, Valu Valu in 2012, Badilisha in 2013, Tubonge in 2013, Wale wale in 2014, Sili Mujjawo in 2016, Sweet Banana in 2017, Champion in 2018.

Tours

Chameleone has performed internationally, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Belgium, Malaysia, China, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Malawi, South Sudan, Germany, and Switzerland, among others.

He toured Australia in 2017 and again in March 2023.

Concerts

In February 2023, musician Chameleone held a successful concert titled "Gwanga Mujje", which translates to "let the whole nation attend". The event took place at Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala. Originally planned for an earlier date, the concert was postponed due to heavy rain and rescheduled for 24 February 2023.

In addition, Chameleone organised a sold-out charity event called "One Man, One Million" at Victoria Hall in Kampala. The event was endorsed by the first lady of Uganda, Janet Museveni, and attendees were required to pay one million Ugandan Shillings to attend.

Music label

Chameleone is the CEO of the music label known as Leone Island. Artists associated with this label have included: the late Mosey Radio, Weasel, the late AK 47 Mayanja, King Saha, Papa Cidy, Pallaso, Melody Uganda, Yung Mulo and Big Eye.

Other activities

The former speaker of the parliament of Uganda, Rebecca Kadaga, designated Chameleone to be the Ambassador of the Busoga Tourism Initiative. He also directs Chameleone Foundation, which is aimed at improving skills and talent amongst disadvantaged youth.

Chameleone is a member of a coalition of musicians who use their fame and fortune to help reduce poverty and create awareness campaigns for HIV/AIDS.

He was gifted a new Toyota V8 in 2020 by Achai Wiir.

He ran for office as Lord Mayor of Kampala in 2021.

He was gifted a new Range Rover in 2022 by Mr. Toyota.

Personal life

Chameleone married Daniella Atim in 2008, with whom he has five children who study and live in the United States. Atim filed for divorce in 2017 and the couple has been separated as of 2018.

Awards

Won

• 2004 Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards) – Artiste of the Year & Song of the Year ("Jamila")
• 2005 Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards) – Best Afro Beat Artiste/Group & Best Afro Beat Single ("Kipepeo")
• 2004 Tanzania Music Awards – Best East African Album ("Bei Kali")
• 2005 Tanzania Music Awards – Best East African Album ("Jamila")
• 2006 Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards) – Best Afro Beat Artiste/Group
• 2006 Kisima Music Awards – Best Ugandan Song (Mama Rhoda) & Best Ugandan Music Video (Mama Rhoda)
• 2007 Kisima Music Awards – Best Ugandan Song (Sivyo Ndiviyo with Professor Jay)
• 2014 HiPipo Music Awards – Song of the Year "Badilisha"
• 2013 African Entertainment Awards – International Best Male Artist
• 2014 HiPipo Music Awards – Best Male ZOUK Song "Badilisha"
• 2015 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) – Song Writer of the Year
• 2018 Galaxy Zzina Music Awards – Legend Award

Nominated

• 2003 Kora Awards – Best East Africa Artist
• 2004 Kora Awards – Best East African Male Artist
• 2006 MOBO Awards – Best African Act
• 2007 MTV Europe Music Awards – Best African Act
• 2012 Tanzania Music Awards – Best East African Song (Valu Valu)
• 2014 World Music Awards (three categories) – World Best Male Artist, World Best Live Act & World Best Performer
• 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards – MAMA Evolution Award

Discography

Albums

Singles

(selected)