Chameleone, born Joseph Mayanja, is one of those veteran East African artists that is well known for their electrifying live performances. His style of music is revered as one of East Africa’s most creative, versatile and crowd pleasing. Although his career has faced a good number of controversies and scandals, he continues to thrill his fans with his fresh unique hits. Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about him.
1. There is no African artist he looks up to. The only international artist he looked up to was Michael Jackson. He admired his ability to manage the pressure that came with the immense fame.
2. He was born in a family of 8.
3. His brothers, Douglas Mayanja, Pallaso and Akay are also well known musicians.
4. Chameleone’s career began in 1996 as a DJ at the Missouri night club in Kampala. Chameleone was a nick name from his childhood. His first stage name was Mayanja, it later changed to Chameleon then Dr. Jose Chameleone.
5. He once converted to Islam in 2011 and changed his name to Gaddafi Chameleon.
6. He once fell of the third floor at a hotel he was staying in and broke both of his legs.
7. He is married to Daniella Atim with whom they have four children, Abba Marcus Mayanja, Alfa Joseph Mayanja, Alba Shyne Mayanja and Amma Mayanja.
8. He writes his own music. His inspiration comes what he observes in the community. Chameleon can sing in Luganda, English and Swahili.
9. The only song he ever sang where he used the name of a real person was Daniella. Dorotia was a fictional name unlike what many think.
10. He believes his originality is what has kept him relevant in the music industry for quite a long time.
