By BigEyeUg Team
African music icon Jose Chameleone, born Joseph Mayanja, marked his 45th birthday today with a special announcement during his weekend celebrations.
The legendary artist disclosed that he intends to forego birthday festivities for the next five years until he reaches the milestone age of 50.
Early Life and Education
Joseph Mayanja was born on April 30, 1979, to Gerald and Prossy Mayanja in Kampala district, Uganda, as the fourth child among eight siblings. He pursued his education at several institutions including Nakasero Primary School, Mengo Senior Secondary School, Kawempe Muslim Senior Secondary School, Katikamu Seventh Day Adventist Senior Secondary School, and Progressive Senior Secondary School. Notably, he composed the anthem for Kawempe Muslim Secondary School.
Musical Career
Chameleone’s music is a vibrant fusion of Ugandan folk, central African rumba, zouk, and reggae. His journey in music commenced in 1996 as a DJ at the Missouri night club in Kampala. He transitioned to a musician’s role in 1998 while collaborating with the Ogopa Deejays, a Kenyan record label, which released his debut single “Bageya” featuring Kenyan artist Redsan.
Over the years, Chameleone has released several successful albums including “Mama Mia,” “Mambo Bado,” “Jamila,” “Kipepeo,” “Bageya,” “Shida za Dunia,” “Bayuda,” and “Njo Karibu.” While his music resonates across the African continent, his strongest fan base hails from central Africa, particularly in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Personal Life
In 2008, Chameleone married Daniella Atim, with whom he shares five children currently residing and studying in the United States. However, Atim filed for divorce in 2017, leading to their separation.
Albums and Hit Songs
Since his debut album release in 2000, Chameleone has launched a total of 13 albums, including notable titles such as “Kipepeo,” “Shida za dunia,” “Valu valu,” “Bayuda,” “Badilisha,” “Sweet Banana,” and “Champion.” Among his hit singles are “Valu valu,” “Jamila,” “Shida za dunia,” “Bayuda,” “Tatizo,” “Nkwagala nyo,” “Kipepeo,” “Dorotia,” and “Kipepeo.”
Tours and Concerts
Chameleone has graced international stages across the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Belgium, Malaysia, China, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Malawi, South Sudan, Germany, and Switzerland, among others. Notable among his tours was his Australian tour in 2017 and a subsequent visit in March 2023.
In February 2023, Chameleone organized a triumphant concert dubbed “Gwanga Mujje” (“let the whole nation attend”) at the Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala. The event, originally slated for an earlier date, was postponed due to inclement weather but was successfully rescheduled for February 24, 2023. Additionally, he spearheaded a sold-out charity event named “One Man, One Million” at Victoria Hall in Kampala, endorsed by Uganda’s First Lady, Janet Museveni.
Music Label and Philanthropy
As CEO of Leone Island, his music label, Chameleone has nurtured talents such as the late Mosey Radio, Weasel, the late AK 47 Mayanja, King Saha, Papa Cidy, Pallaso, Melody Uganda, Yung Mulo, and Big Eye. Beyond music, he serves as an Ambassador for the Busoga Tourism Initiative and heads the Chameleone Foundation, focused on empowering disadvantaged youth through skill development.
Other Achievements
In recognition of his contributions, Chameleone received a Toyota V8 in 2020 from Achai Wiir and a Range Rover in 2022 from Mr. Toyota. Moreover, he contested for the position of Lord Mayor of Kampala in 2021.
Jose Chameleone’s 45th birthday celebration not only marks a milestone in his illustrious career but also underscores his enduring influence in African music and his commitment to philanthropy and community development.
We will keep you posted