‘He gave us history’: Eddy Kenzo pays glowing tribute to veteran singer Jose Chameleone

What the report says

Eddy Kenzo, who serves as president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation and as Senior Presidential Advisor on Creatives, has publicly praised veteran Ugandan singer Jose Chameleone for what he described as a lasting impact on the country’s music industry. In a tribute published by Sqoop Uganda, Kenzo argued that Chameleone’s significance goes well beyond hit songs, awards, and years of performance.

Kenzo said Chameleone was part of a generation that helped build confidence in Ugandan popular music and strengthen its identity beyond Uganda’s borders. He credited the singer with helping local music reach audiences across East Africa and further afield, including in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He also said Chameleone helped show that music could be a serious profession and encouraged other artists to believe Ugandan performers could compete regionally.

The tribute also highlighted Chameleone’s influence on the wider music business, with Kenzo noting that his success created opportunities for producers, instrumentalists, managers, promoters and sound technicians. Kenzo praised his understanding of melody, emotion, language and stagecraft, and said he had made efforts to encourage unity among artists despite industry rivalries.

Kenzo concluded that Chameleone’s role in modern Ugandan music is historically important and that any serious account of the industry will need to include his legacy.