Jose Chameleone Names Shanks Vivie’D as His Biggest Early Inspiration

More than two decades in the game, Jose Chameleone has become the benchmark many young artistes measure themselves against.

But during an appearance on Sean Stylez Xclusive, the Leone Island boss turned the focus away from his own dominance and back to the disco era that shaped him.

At the time, Kampala’s nightlife centered around venues like Club Ange Noir, where established performers were already commanding attention as he tried to find his place.

Asked about that period, he began by listing the artistes who were active when he was just starting out.

When I was starting out in music, there were musicians like Shanks Vivie’D, Menton Summer, Emperor Orlandoh, Ragga Dee, and many other band artistes.

Within that early line up, Shanks Vivie’D made the deepest impact on him because of the way he carried himself and the presence he projected.

But the person I really looked up to and admired was Shanks Vivie’D. He could walk into a place and you would instantly see a star. All the musicians I have mentioned were good, but Shanks Vivie’D had class. He had a crew that consisted of Bakyotala, Baswahili, and even whites.

Operating in the same disco circuit, particularly at Club Ange Noir, did not blur the distinction for him.

In his view, Shanks Vivie’D moved differently and expressed himself with more originality.

The other musicians I mentioned represented a lot in the disco scene, especially as disco MCs. Ragga Dee used to be at Ange Noir, Orlando was at Ange Noir, and Shanks Vivie’D was also there, but he was much more original.

That admiration did not remain distant.

As he pushed into the industry, he made a point of seeking Shanks out for himself.

When I was starting out, he was one of the people I really looked for, and when I finally met him, I knew I was on the right path.

Years later, Chameleone stands as one of the defining figures in Ugandan music.

The young artiste who once searched the disco circuit for direction at Club Ange Noir became the very standard others now look up to.

And at the center of that early chapter is Shanks Vivie’D’s influence, which he has never hesitated to acknowledge.