Veteran Ugandan musician and producer Viboyo has placed Dr Jose Chameleone among Uganda’s five greatest artists, praising the Leone Island boss for his contribution to the country’s music industry.
Viboyo acknowledged that Chameleone may not necessarily be Uganda’s greatest musician, but argued that his career and influence have earned him a place among the country’s leading performers.
“Chameleone is one of Uganda’s greatest artists, in the top five,” Viboyo said.
Beyond the praise, the veteran artist also shared a glimpse into his history with Chameleone, recalling a memorable encounter from their early days in the music business.
According to Viboyo, the two musicians once found themselves sporting tinted hairstyles as they pursued their ambitions in the industry. Chameleone had reportedly returned from Nairobi with tinted hair, while Viboyo had adopted a similar look.
The moment led to a playful exchange about who would eventually become the bigger star.
“I have so many memories with Chameleone. He came back from Nairobi with tinted hair, and I had also tinted mine. I told him I’m number one, and he said if I am number one, he’s Uganda’s greatest,” Viboyo recalled.
The story captures a period when both artists were still building their careers and had yet to discover how their musical journeys would unfold.
Chameleone would go on to establish himself as a prominent figure in Ugandan music, becoming widely recognised for his songs and his influence on subsequent generations of performers. Viboyo’s recollection offers a personal perspective on their early interactions, before Chameleone’s reputation as one of the country’s leading music stars became firmly established.
Viboyo’s assessment also adds to the ongoing conversation about Uganda’s most influential musicians. While rankings of the country’s greatest artists remain subjective, his comments make clear where he places Chameleone in that discussion.
For Viboyo, the respect goes beyond a simple ranking. His recollection of their early-career banter shows that the conversation about musical greatness began long before the achievements that would later define their careers.