‘Back then, music settled scores; today artists just weigh themselves’ – Chameleone

What the report says

Ugandan singer Jose Chameleone has criticized what he sees as a decline in the competitive spirit that once defined the country’s music scene. In remarks on Bruno K’s "Ekibozi Live," he said artists used to settle rivalries through songs, performances and public response, rather than by simply claiming to be the biggest acts. The Sqoop Uganda report frames his comments as a reflection on how music competition has changed over time.

Chameleone recalled earlier industry battles in which musicians released response songs aimed at rivals and let listeners judge who had the stronger material. He cited well-known tracks and artists from that period, including songs associated with Mesach, Bobi Wine and Bebe Cool, as examples of an era when musical feuds were more directly expressed through recordings. He also mentioned street jams and Kitobero gatherings as venues where artists could test their claims in public.

While expressing concern about the present state of rivalry, Chameleone also said Uganda still has "real artists" in the industry. His comments are notable because he was one of the central figures in Uganda’s most visible music rivalries, especially those involving Bobi Wine and Bebe Cool, which helped shape popular entertainment debates during that period. More broadly, his remarks point to a shift in how artists build status in Uganda’s music industry, from direct musical competition to self-promotion and branding.