Joseph Mayanja, known as Jose Chameleone, is a legendary Ugandan Afrobeat/ragga musician, born April 30, 1979, famous for hits like "Mama Mia" and "Kipepeo," blending Ugandan folk, Rumba, and Ragga, starting with Ogopa Deejays in Kenya and building a massive African fanbase, winning numerous awards, founding Leone Island, and later pursuing education and politics, remaining a prominent figure in African music. Early Life & Education: Born Joseph Mayanja in Kampala, Uganda, to Gerald and Proscovia Mayanja. Attended several schools, including Mengo S.S. and Kawempe Muslim S.S., where he composed the school anthem. Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy from Cavendish University Uganda in 2023. Music Career: Began as a DJ in 1996 and launched his music career with Ogopa Deejays in Kenya, with his breakthrough single "Bageya" featuring Redsan. Known for versatile style: Afrobeat, Reggae, Dancehall, Zouk, and Rumba, singing in Luganda, Swahili, and English. Founded the Leone Island Music Empire and mentored artists like Weasel, Radio, and King Saha. Has toured internationally (US, UK, Sweden, Malaysia) and won numerous awards, including Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards) and MTV Africa Music Awards. Beyond Music: Involved in philanthropy through the Chameleone Foundation (HIV/AIDS, youth). Ventured into politics, contesting for Kampala's Lord Mayor in 2021. Personal Life: Married to Daniella Atim since 2008, with whom he has five children.
Joseph Mayanja, known as Jose Chameleone, is a legendary Ugandan Afrobeat/ragga musician, born April 30, 1979, famous for hits like "Mama Mia" and "Kipepeo," blending Ugandan folk, Rumba, and Ragga, starting with Ogopa Deejays in Kenya and building a massive African fanbase, winning numerous awards, founding Leone Island, and later pursuing education and politics, remaining a prominent figure in African
music. Early Life & Education: Born Joseph Mayanja in Kampala, Uganda, to Gerald and Proscovia Mayanja. Attended several schools, including Mengo S.S. and Kawempe Muslim S.S., where he composed the school anthem. Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy from Cavendish University Uganda in 2023. Music Career: Began as a DJ in 1996 and launched his music career with Ogopa
Deejays in Kenya, with his breakthrough single "Bageya" featuring Redsan. Known for versatile style: Afrobeat, Reggae, Dancehall, Zouk, and Rumba, singing in Luganda, Swahili, and English. Founded the Leone Island Music Empire and mentored artists like Weasel, Radio, and King Saha. Has toured internationally (US, UK, Sweden, Malaysia) and won numerous awards, including Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards) and MTV Africa
Music Awards. Beyond Music: Involved in philanthropy through the Chameleone Foundation (HIV/AIDS, youth). Ventured into politics, contesting for Kampala's Lord Mayor in 2021. Personal Life: Married to Daniella Atim since 2008, with whom he has five children.