Jose Chameleone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jose Chameleone
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| Birth name | Joseph Mayanja |
| Born | 30 April 1979 Kampala, Uganda |
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| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Labels | Leone Island Records, Block Fm 103.2 |
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Joseph Mayanja (born April 30, 1979), known as Jose Chameleone, is a famous Ugandan musician. He is known for his AfroBeat music. He sings in Luganda, English, and Swahili.
Contents
Early Life and School
Joseph Mayanja was born in Kampala, Uganda, on April 30, 1979. His parents are Gerald and Prossy Mayanja. He is the fourth of eight children in his family.
He went to several schools, including Nakasero Primary School and Mengo Senior Secondary School. He even wrote the school anthem for Kawempe Muslim Secondary School.
His Music Journey
Chameleone's music mixes different styles. You can hear Ugandan folk music, central African rhumba, zouk, and reggae in his songs.
His career started 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," with Kenyan artist Redsan.
Chameleone released his first album, Mama Mia, in 2000. By 2013, he had released 13 albums. Some of his popular albums include Kipepeo, Valu valu, and Champion. He has many hit songs like "Valu valu," "Jamila," and "Shida za dunia."
His music is loved across Africa. Many of his fans live in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. He once performed for a very large crowd at the Lugogo Cricket Oval Stadium in Kampala.
Chameleone has performed all over the world. He has visited countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, and Germany. He also toured Australia in 2017 and again in 2023.
In February 2023, Chameleone held a big concert called "Gwanga Mujje." This means "let the whole nation attend." It took place at Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala. The concert was first planned for an earlier date but was moved because of heavy rain.
Chameleone also organized a special charity event. It was called "One Man, One Million." People had to pay a lot of money to attend, but it was for a good cause. The First Lady of Uganda, Janet Museveni, supported this event.
His Music Company
Chameleone is the CEO of his own music company, Leone Island. Many artists have been part of this label. Some well-known names include the late Mosey Radio, Weasel, and Pallaso.
Helping Others
The former speaker of Uganda's parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, made Chameleone an ambassador. He helps promote tourism in the Busoga region.
He also leads the Chameleone Foundation. This group helps young people improve their skills and talents. It focuses on youth who might not have many chances.
Chameleone is part of a group of musicians who use their fame to help. They work to reduce poverty and teach people about important health issues like HIV/AIDS.
In 2021, he ran for a leadership position in Kampala.
Personal Life
Jose Chameleone is from Uganda. However, he often says that Kenya is where his music career really took off.
He married Daniella Atim in 2008. They have five children together.
Awards and Achievements
Jose Chameleone has won many awards for his music. He has also been nominated for several big awards.
Awards He 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
Awards He Was Nominated For
- 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
Music Albums
| Year | Album | Record label |
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| 2000 | Bageya | Ogopa Deejays |
| 2001 | Mama Mia | |
| 2002 | Njo Karibu | |
| 2003 | The Golden Voice | |
| 2004 | Mambo Bado | |
| 2005 | Kipepeo | |
| 2006 | Shida za Dunia | |
| 2007 | Sivyo Ndivyo | |
| 2007 | 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 |
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| 2020 | Baliwa, Bolingo ya Nzambe | |
| 2021 | I am Joseph - Coming Soon |
