Ugandan music star Jose Chameleone landed at Kigali International Airport on Thursday morning ahead of his highly anticipated concert set for Sunday, May 25, at Kigali Universe. This performance marks Chameleone’s first major show since undergoing surgery in the United States, following a battle with acute pancreatitis. The Afrobeat singer, who last performed in Kigali in 2018, kept a low profile upon arrival, opting not to speak with the press despite their presence at the terminal. He was quickly ushered into a waiting vehicle after greeting a few fans and associates. ALSO READ: Uganda’s DJ Etania to light up Kigali during BAL weekend Among those welcoming him was Rwandan artist DJ Pius, with whom Chameleone collaborated on the hit track “Agatako.” Before Chameleone’s arrival, media personality Sandra Teta was also spotted at the airport with her children. Teta, who is based in Uganda and has two children with Chameleone’s younger brother, Weasel, was seen greeting family and crew. The concert, “Chameleone Live in Kigali,” will run from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are priced at Rwf 15,000, Rwf 20,000, and Rwf 40,000, with a VIP table for six available at Rwf 300,000. A career spanning decades Born Joseph Mayanja on May 30, 1979, in Uganda, Chameleone is one of East Africa’s most iconic musicians. He began his entertainment career as a DJ at the Missouri Night Club in Kampala before launching his music journey in Kenya in 1998 under the Ogopa Deejays label. His debut single “Bageya” put him on the regional map. Chameleone released his first album, Mama Mia, in 2000. Over the next decade, he produced a string of hits and albums including Kipepeo, Shida Za Dunia, Valu Valu, Bayuda, Badilisha, Sweet Banana, and Champion. Songs like “Tatizo,” “Nkwagala Nyo,” “Jamila,” and “Dorotia” remain fan favorites across the continent. He is also the founder and CEO of Leone Island Music Empire. This weekend’s show is expected to be both a celebration of resilience and a reminder of Chameleone’s staying power in the region’s music scene.
