Artist: Jose Chameleone
Joseph Mayanja (born 1979) is a hip hop and ragga musician from Uganda, known for his stage name Jose Chameleone or just as Chameleone. He started his career in the late 90’s affiliated to Ogopa Deejays record label from Kenya. One of his first songs was “Bageya”, featuring Redsan, a Kenyan artist. He also collaborated with fellow Ugandan Bebe Cool, but later the two are known to have a tense rivalry.
Chameleone’s musical style is a combination of Ugandan folk music, central African rumba, zouk and ragga. His first album was released in Kenya in 1999. He has since released several albums including “Bageya” in 2000, “Mama Mia” in 2001, “njo karibu” in 2002, “The Golden Voice” in 2003, “Mambo bado”, in 2004 and “Kipepo” in 2005.
Chameleone’s biggest hits include Jamila, Mama Rhoda, Shida Za Dunia, Kipepeo, Bei Kali, Fitina Yako, Haraka Haraka, Mambo Bado, and Ndivyo Sivyo (feat. Professor Jay).
He is a member of the Musician’s Community, a coalition of musicians who use their fame and fortune to help eradicate poverty and create HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns.
He has won several Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards) and two categories in the 2006 Kisima Music Awards. He has been nominated for both Kora Awards and MOBO Awards.
Chameleone has toured number of overseas countries, the United States, United Kingdom and Sweden among others.
