"I almost died": Jose Chameleone opens up on health scare, quitting alcohol, smoking

Ugandan music heavyweight Jose Chameleone is in Kenya, but not just for sunshine and safaris. 

The Afrobeat sensation has flown in for a crucial medical check-up as he battles pancreatitis, a painful condition marked by inflammation of the pancreas.

Fresh from a stint in the United States where he sought specialised treatment, the Jamila hitmaker returned to Uganda in April after his health took a turn for the worse. 

But Kenya, he says, offers more than medical care, it’s a place of healing for his body and soul, and a homecoming of sorts.

Speaking to journalist Trudy Kitui, the Wale Wale star candidly shared how the scare prompted him to overhaul his lifestyle. 

Gone are the booze-filled nights and cigarette breaks. Now, it’s clean living and second chances.

"Before I left the USA, I had lost about 13 kilograms. The doctors didn’t exactly tell me to stop anything, but I looked at my life and made some changes. There were things I wasn’t doing right for my health. I used to drink a lot and I’ve been smoking my whole life. But to get better, I’ve stopped all that. Now, I don’t smoke or drink alcohol anymore," he revealed.

Chameleone, real name Joseph Mayanja, spoke reflectively about a near-death experience that reshaped his priorities. 

With just three years to go before hitting 50, he says he’s embracing a slower, more intentional chapter of life.

"This is my second chance. God has given me a new beginning. The first part of my life is done, and now I’m starting the next part. I only have three years left before I turn 50, so there are some things I need to take more slowly.”

Though he hasn’t fully dived back into the music scene, the Tubonge singer assures fans that the fire still burns. 

What’s more, he’s keen on using his platform to uplift younger talent. 

“I'm a hit maker, and everyone knows it. So there's nothing more I need to prove. Now it's time to help others grow... Helping others shine doesn’t dim your own light,” he said.

Kenya, it turns out, holds a special place in his heart. 

Back in 1998, he worked with the iconic Ogopa Deejays and teamed up with Redsan on the smash hit Bageya. 

It was also in Kenya that he experienced several life firsts, including falling in love.

"Many people don’t know this, but I met my first girlfriend here in Kenya. A lot of things in my life happened for the first time while I was in Kenya, including my music and anything else,” he reminisced.

Now, as he focuses on recovery and reflection, Chameleone remains open to collaborating with Kenyan talent.