Jose Chameleone facts for kids

Joseph Mayanja (born April 30, 1979), known by his stage name Jose Chameleone, is a famous Ugandan AfroBeat artist and musician. He is known for singing in three different languages: Luganda, English, and Swahili.

Early Life and School

Joseph Mayanja was born in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. He was the fourth of eight children born to his parents, Gerald and Prossy Mayanja.

He attended several schools, including Nakasero Primary School and Mengo Senior Secondary School. He also went to Kawempe Muslim Senior Secondary School, where he showed his musical talent by writing the school's official song, or anthem.

Musical Career

Jose Chameleone's music is a creative blend of different styles. He mixes traditional Ugandan folk music with African rhumba, zouk, and reggae. This unique sound has made him popular across Africa.

How His Career Started

Chameleone's journey in music began in 1996. He started as a DJ at a nightclub called Missouri in Kampala. In 1998, he moved to Kenya and joined the Ogopa Deejays record label. There, he released his first single, "Bageya," which featured the Kenyan artist Redsan.

Rise to Fame

Chameleone released his first album, Mama Mia, in 2000. Over the years, he has released many successful albums, including Kipepeo, Shida za dunia, Valu valu, and Champion. Some of his most popular hit songs are "Valu valu," "Jamila," "Dorotia," and "Kipepeo."

His music is loved all over Africa, especially in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. He once performed for a massive crowd at the Lugogo Cricket Oval Stadium in Kampala.

International Performances

Chameleone has toured the world to perform for his fans. He has held concerts in the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, China, and South Africa, among other countries.

In February 2023, he held a huge concert in Kampala called "Gwanga Mujje." The name means "let the whole nation attend." The show was a great success, even after it had to be rescheduled because of a heavy rainstorm.

Leone Island Music Label

Jose Chameleone is the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of his own music label, Leone Island. As the CEO, he helps other artists build their careers. Some of the artists who have worked with his label include the late Mosey Radio, Weasel, King Saha, and his brother, Pallaso.

Other Activities

Besides music, Jose Chameleone is involved in many other projects.

Community and Charity Work

The former speaker of Uganda's parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, named Chameleone a special ambassador for tourism in the Busoga region of Uganda.

He also runs the Chameleone Foundation. This organization helps young people with less opportunities to develop their skills and talents. Chameleone is also part of a group of musicians who use their fame to fight poverty and raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Politics

In 2021, Chameleone ran for the office of Lord Mayor of Kampala. The Lord Mayor is the leader of the city's government, similar to a mayor in other cities.

Awards and Recognition

Jose Chameleone has won many awards for his music. He has also been nominated for several international awards, showing his impact on the African music scene.

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

Nominations

• 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 – Nominated for World Best Male Artist, World Best Live Act & World Best Performer
• 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards – MAMA Evolution Award

Discography

Here is a list of some of the albums Jose Chameleone has released throughout his career.