Jose Chameleone is a celebrated Ugandan musician renowned for his Afrobeat and reggae fusion.
His career began in the late 1990s, quickly establishing him as a prominent figure in East African music.
Recently, Chameleone was hospitalized due to health concerns, sparking widespread concern among fans and the music community.
Despite this setback, he remains an influential artist, known for hits like Mama Mia and Kipepeo, and continues to inspire with his philanthropic efforts and commitment to education.
Early life
Chameleone is the fourth of eight children in the Mayanja family.
His parents, Gerald and Prossy Mayanja, were influential in his upbringing; his father was a jazz musician, which instilled a love for music in Chameleone from an early age.
Growing up in a large family, he was surrounded by siblings who also ventured into music, including Douglas Mayanja (Weasel), Pius Mayanja (Pallaso), and the late Emmanuel Mayanja (AK47).
Chameleone’s education began in local primary schools before he attended several secondary schools, including Katikama SDA Secondary School, Mengo Secondary School, and Kawempe Muslim Secondary School.
He later pursued higher education at Kyambogo University.
Early career
Chameleone’s journey in music began in the vibrant nightlife of Kampala, where he worked as a DJ at the Missouri Night Club.
This exposure to various music styles and genres allowed him to cultivate his unique sound.
In 1998, seeking broader opportunities, he moved to Nairobi, Kenya, where he joined Ogopa Deejays, a prominent recording label known for producing some of East Africa’s biggest hits.
His first major breakthrough came in 2000 with the release of Bageya, a collaboration with Redsan, a Kenyan artist.
The song was an instant hit, resonating with audiences across East Africa and establishing Chameleone as a rising star in the region.
Later career
Chameleone’s popularity soared with the release of Mama Mia in 2001.
This track showcased his versatility and lyrical prowess, further cementing his status as a leading artist in East Africa.
The song’s infectious melody and relatable lyrics captivated fans, earning him significant radio play and chart success.
Over the years, Chameleone released several albums that contributed to his growing fame.
Notable works include Kipepeo, which featured hits like Kipepeo and Njo Karibu, showcasing his ability to fuse various musical styles while maintaining a distinct sound.
Another significant album was Shida Za Dunia, which solidified his reputation as a top artist in Uganda and beyond, including popular tracks such as Vumilia and Nkwagala.
In 2010, he released The Golden Voice, an album that further demonstrated his evolution as an artist by incorporating contemporary sounds while staying true to his roots.
Throughout his career, Chameleone has collaborated with numerous artists across Africa, enhancing his reach and influence in the music industry.
Awards and recognitions
Chameleone won the Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM) multiple times, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for Jamila in 2004, and Best Afro Beat Artiste in 2005 for Kipepeo.
In addition to these, he was recognized as Best International Artiste at the Kili Tanzania Music Awards and won several awards at the Tanzania Music Awards, including Best East African Album for Jamila.
His international acclaim includes being named Best African Artiste at the Swedish African Music Awards and receiving nominations at prestigious events like the MOBO Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards.
Chameleone’s contributions to music were further acknowledged with a Legend Award at the Galaxy Zzina Music Awards in 2018, celebrating his enduring influence in the industry.
Personal life
Chameleone is married to Daniella Atim, with whom he has five children.
Their marriage, which began in 2008, has faced significant challenges, including Daniella’s claims of domestic violence and Chameleone’s struggles with alcohol.
In recent years, Daniella has described herself as a single mother, having moved to the United States for a better life with their children.
She has openly discussed the difficulties she faced after relocating, including financial struggles and the emotional toll of their relationship issues.
Health issues
In 2009, Chameleone was hospitalized due to a liver and pancreas disorder, which was attributed to excessive alcohol consumption.
His condition worsened after initial treatment, leading to multiple hospital admissions as he struggled with the effects of his health issues.
In 2024, Chameleon faced critical health challenges once again, experiencing severe stomach pain and fever that resulted in hospitalization in Kampala.
This marked his second hospitalization for similar complications within the year, following treatment in the United States earlier.
