Renowned Afro-pop sensation, Joseph Mayanja, better known by his stage names Jose Chameleon or simply Chameleone, emerged onto the music scene on January 1, 1979, in Uganda. With an eclectic blend of Afrobeat and reggae, he has captivated audiences across Africa and beyond, earning acclaim as one of the continent's foremost musicians of the 21st century. Singing fluently in Luganda, English, and Swahili, Chameleone's lyrical prowess has spawned iconic catchphrases in songs like "Basiima Ogenze," "Shida Za Dunia," "Nekolera Maali," and "Badilisha."
Chameleone's musical journey began in the early 1990s, where he honed his craft as a DJ at Kampala's Maganjo Mizuri nightclub while pursuing his education at Progressive Secondary School. His talent caught the attention of Kenyan record label Ogopa DJs, propelling him to prominence with hits like "Bageya," a collaboration with Kenyan artist Redsan. Despite early successes, tensions arose between Chameleone and fellow Ugandan artist Bebe Cool, leading to a strained relationship.
Fusing elements of Ugandan folk music, central African rumba, zouk, and reggae, Chameleone's distinctive style resonated with audiences. His debut album, "Bageya," marked the beginning of a prolific career, followed by a string of successful releases including "Mama Mia" (2001), "Njo Karibu" and "The Golden Voice" (2003), "Mambo Bado" (2004), "Kipepeo" (2005), "Shida za Dunia" (2006), "Sivyo Ndivyo" and "Katupakase" (2007), "Bayuda" (2009), "Vumilia" (2010), "Valu Valu" (2012), and "Badilisha" (2013).
Beyond music, Chameleone is a dedicated advocate for social change, actively participating in initiatives like the Musician's Community, leveraging his influence to combat poverty and raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. His international acclaim has seen him perform in countries such as the US, UK, Sweden, and Belgium, solidifying his status as a global icon.
In his personal life, Chameleone is married to Daniella Atim, a prominent socialite and the daughter of a revered religious leader. Together, they share a family and have garnered media attention for their high-profile union.
Notably, Chameleone's younger brother, Douglas Mayanja, known as Weasel, follows in his musical footsteps, contributing to the Goodlyfe Crew alongside Moses Radio.
While controversies have surfaced, notably surrounding an incident at Chameleone's residence in December 2012, where a man lost his life, the singer maintains his innocence, attributing the tragedy to self-inflicted circumstances. Despite police investigations, Chameleone has not faced charges in connection with the incident.
