Singer Jose Chameleone is a happy man after his Wale Wale video premiering on Trace TV.
“East Africa we go,” an elated Chameleone said.
Continental fame has eluded the singer who is arguably one of the best in the East African region and part of the blame was put on poor music videos that did not meet the broadcast standards of continental channels like Trace, MTV and Channel O.
Musicians like Navio, Keko and Radio and Weasel have previously landed nominations in continental awards thanks to their music videos.
Chameleone had to fly to South Africa to redo videos like Valu Valu and Gimme to match the quality of Nigerian artistes who are dominating continental airplay.
Bebe Cool’s Love You Everyday also got ample airplay on continental channels. Bebe’s video was shot in Kenya by one of Nigeria’s most respected video producers Clarence Peters. Peters was also behind Keko and Madtraxx’s Make You Dance video.
What makes Chameleone’s video special is that it was shot in Uganda by Ugandan director Sasha Vybez. The video was shot in Karamoja and most of the people in the video are rural folks with no previous onscreen experience, hence blending in naturally with their rural settings.
Giving back to Karamoja.
Chameleone was touched by the dire conditions of the people in the arid region while shooting the video as they walk several kilometres just to find water and he recently announced that part of the proceeds from his One Million Concert will go towards donating 100 boreholes and 100 pit latrines to Karamoja.
Karomoja is one of the least developed areas in Uganda and there is a common saying “We won’t wait for Karamoja to develop,” but Chameleone wants to change that.
“We expected hostility when we went for the shoot because the media portrays the region as hostile, but we were received with love,” Chameleone said of his experience while shooting the video.
“The purpose of my One Man One Million concert is to raise funds to buy 100 boreholes and build 100 pit latrines for our fellow countrymen who are in desperate need of these life basics. All friends, fans, and fellow Ugandans, join me in this noble cause,” the singer said.
Chameleone’s One Man One Million show is on December 18 at the Kampala Serena Hotel.