Popular musician, Jose Chameleone has scoffed at those who are killing artistes, warning that the music fraternity is ready to retaliate. He said that this is going to be the last time a musician is killed under mysterious circumstances and asked his peers in the industry to arm themselves to fight back.
Chameleone spoke furiously during the funeral ceremony of dead singer, Mowzey Radio in Nakawuka in Wakiso district. Moses Ssekibogo alias Radio died on Thursday a week after he had been hospitalized following what is said to have been a brawl at a bar in Entebbe.
The person suspected to have assaulted the singer is still on the run.
Dressed in attire akin to military fatigue complete with head protective geer, Chameleone said “this is war”.
“Many of you may be wondering why i am dressed in military attire. This is now war. We have pleaded for long and we tired of this situation,” he said.
He cited his brother and musician Emmanuel Mayanja alias AK-47 who was killed in unclear circumstances in 2015 and most recently, audio music producer, Danz Kumapeesa who too died out of unknown causes.
“We want the media to deliver the message that we the musicians are tired and very angry. And whoever crosses our path will also be laid to rest,” a bitter Chameleone vowed.
He also warned the media in Uganda for what he called disrespecting the entertainment industry and misrepresenting facts especially regarding the causes of the said deaths.
“We are tired of you disrespecting us [artistes]. We have great value,” he said while eulogizing Radio at the funeral.
“Enough is enough. I ask you the artistes to arm yourselves, have a machete in your car if you must. These killers have to be buried too. Radio should be the last to die,” Chameleone said.
Chameleone’s message was picked by numerous musicians including Juliana Kanyomozi, Eddy Kenzo, A Pass, Mesearch Semakula, Hilderman, Lydia Jazzmine and others who attended the funeral on Saturday.
Jose Chameleone was one of the people that mentored Mowzey Radio into the music career having started as his backup singer in Leone Island.
Radio and Chameleone’s brother, Douglas Mayanja alias Weasel would later leave Leone Island and form a singing duo ‘Goodlyfe’ that has since risen to win global acclamation.