Chameleone in the 1990s with female friend known as Dorotia. File Photos
Joseph Mayanja was born to Gerald and Prossy Mayanja on 30th April 1979 in Kampala district. He is 4th out of 8 children.
He went to Nakasero Primary School, Mengo SSS, Kawempe Muslim SSS, Katikamu SDA SSS, and Progressive SSS.
Chameleone's career began at a young age in 1996 as a DJ at the Missouri night club in Kampala. He was later signed to the Kenyan record label Ogopa DJs, where he broke through with his first single, "Bageya" that featured Kenyan artist Redsan.
Chameleone with Bebe Cool
His first album, Bageya, was released in 2000. He has released more than 12 albums, including Mama Mia in 2001, Njo Karibu and The Golden Voice in 2003, Mambo Bado in 2004, Kipepeo in 2005, Shida za Dunia in 2006, Sivyo Ndivyo and Katupakase in 2007, Bayuda in 2009, Vumilia in 2010, Valu Valu in 2012, Badilisha in 2013, Tubonge in 2014, Wale wale in 2015, Sili Mujjawo in 2016, Sweet Banana in 2017, Champion in 2018.
Chameleone and Jackie Chandiru at the City Beat All-Stars Party at Guvnor
Chameleone visits Bebe Cool at Nsambya Hospital
It was Bebe Cool's turn to visit Chameleone at Kololo Hospital in 2009
He has a music label called Leone Island of which he is CEO. Artistes formerly under this label include; the late Moses Radio, Weasel, the late AK 47, King Saha, Papa Cidy, and Pallaso, Melody, Yung Mulo and Big Eye.
Chameleone with his mother at Kololo Hospital
Elly Wamala with musician Jose Chameleone on stage
Chameleone briefly converts to Islam
In March 2014, The Tubonge Live" concert at the Lugogo Cricket Oval, Chameleone broke the record for the largest audience of any East African performer, drawing an estimated 40,000 fans.
Jose Chameleone and the late Charles Muhangi take part in a motor rally
In 2017, his LEGEND: Hit After Hit concert sold out. The speaker of the parliament of Uganda, Rebecca Kadaga, designated Chameleone to be the Ambassador of the Busoga Tourism Initiative.
Chameleone performing at the Badilisha concert
Chameleone weds Daniella Mayanja in 2008
Chameleone at his wife arrive for their wedding reception in a chopper
Chameleon's wife gives birth to their first child
Jose Chameleone with his family
Music albums
2000 Bageya
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
2015 Wale Wale
2016 Sili Mujawo
2017 Sweet Banana.
2018 Champion
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
Awards 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 - (3 Categories): World Best Male Artist, World Best Live Act & World Best Performer
2015 MTV Africa Music Awards - MAMA Evolution Award
