Jose Chameleone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jose Chameleone
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Joseph Mayanja |
| Born | 30 April 1979 Kampala, Uganda |
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| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Labels | Leone Island Records |
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Joseph Mayanja, born on April 30, 1979, is a famous Ugandan musician. He is known by his stage name, Jose Chameleone. He is an amazing AfroBeat artist. Jose Chameleone sings in three languages: Luganda, English, and Swahili.
Contents
Discovering Jose Chameleone
Early Life and School Days
Joseph Mayanja was born in Kampala, Uganda, on April 30, 1979. He was the fourth of eight children born to Gerald and Prossy Mayanja.
He attended several schools. These included Nakasero Primary School and Mengo Senior Secondary School. He also went to Kawempe Muslim Senior Secondary School.
Jose Chameleone even wrote the school song for Kawempe Muslim Secondary School! He is part of the Roman Catholic Church in Uganda.
His Musical Journey
Jose Chameleone's music mixes different styles. These include Ugandan folk music, central African rhumba, zouk, and reggae. This blend makes his sound unique!
He started his career in 1996 as a DJ in Kampala. In 1998, he became a musician in Kenya. He worked with a record label called Ogopa Deejays. They helped him release his first song, "Bageya." He sang it with Kenyan artist Redsan.
His first album, Mama Mia, came out in 2000. By 2013, he had released 13 albums! Some of these were Kipepeo, Valu valu, and Champion. Many of his songs became big hits. These include "Valu valu," "Jamila," and "Kipepeo."
Jose Chameleone's music is loved across Africa. Most of his fans live in central African countries. These include Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
He once performed for a huge crowd in Kampala. This concert was at the Lugogo Cricket Oval Stadium.
Jose Chameleone has traveled the world to perform. He has visited countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. He also performed in Sweden, Germany, and China. He even toured Australia in 2017 and again in March 2023.
In February 2023, he had a big concert called "Gwanga Mujje." This means "let the whole nation attend." It was held at Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala. The concert was a huge success!
He also organized a special charity event. It was called "One Man, One Million." People paid a lot of money to attend. The money helped good causes. Uganda's First Lady, Janet Museveni, supported this event.
Leone Island Music Label
Jose Chameleone is the head, or CEO, of his own music company. It is called Leone Island. Many talented artists have worked with this label. Some of them include Mosey Radio, Weasel, and King Saha. His brother, Pallaso, also worked with Leone Island.
Beyond Music: Helping Others
Jose Chameleone does more than just make music. He was named the Ambassador for the Busoga Tourism Initiative. This means he helps promote tourism in the Busoga region of Uganda.
He also leads the Chameleone Foundation. This foundation helps young people. It teaches them new skills and helps them develop their talents.
Jose Chameleone is part of a group of musicians. They use their fame to help people in need. They work to reduce poverty. They also create campaigns to raise awareness for important health issues.
In 2021, he ran for the position of Lord Mayor of Kampala. This shows his interest in helping his community.
Awards and Recognitions
Jose Chameleone has won many awards for his music. Here are some of them:
- In 2004, he won "Artiste of the Year" at the Pearl of Africa Music Awards. His song "Jamila" was also named "Song of the Year."
- He won "Best Afro Beat Artiste" in 2005 and 2006 at the Pearl of Africa Music Awards.
- The Tanzania Music Awards recognized his albums Bei Kali (2004) and Jamila (2005) as "Best East African Album."
- In 2006, the Kisima Music Awards gave him "Best Ugandan Song" for "Mama Rhoda."
- He won "Song of the Year" for "Badilisha" at the HiPipo Music Awards in 2014.
- In 2015, he was named "Song Writer of the Year" at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
- He received a "Legend Award" at the Galaxy Zzina Music Awards in 2018.
He has also been nominated for many other important awards. These include the Kora Awards, MOBO Awards, and MTV Europe Music Awards.
His Albums
Jose Chameleone has released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of them:
- 2000: Bageya
- 2001: Mama Mia
- 2002: Njo Karibu
- 2003: The Golden Voice
- 2004: Mambo Bado
- 2005: Kipepeo
- 2006: Shida za Dunia
- 2007: Sivyo Ndivyo and Katupakase
- 2009: Bayuda
- 2010: Vumilia
- 2012: Valu Valu
- 2013: Badilisha
- 2014: Wale Wale
- 2016: Sili Mujawo
- 2017: Sweet Banana, Superstar, Mshamba
- 2018: Champion, Mateeka, Kilabe, Tatizo
- 2020: Baliwa, Bolingo ya Nzambe
- 2021: I am Joseph
See Also
