Finally something got Chameleone out of hiding; the singer appeared live on NTV’s The Beat show last Friday. Chameleone appeared to defend his recent public declaration of support for President Museveni and leading other artistes to kneel before the President during a dinner in Munyonyo.
Well, Chameleone was unapologetic as he insisted he was free to practise his right as a Ugandan. One of the highlights of the interview was when Chameleone took a swipe at veteran Afrigo Band co-founder Moses Matovu whom he said received and accepted band equipment from ‘dictator’ Idi Amin during the 70s.
However, shortly before his appearance on TV, the first in seven years, we received news that Chameleone had performed at a presidential rally in Tanzania. Sources told us Chameleone had been courted by former Tanzanian Energy minister John Pombe Magufuli to perform at some of his rallies.
Chameleone confirmed the rumour: “Yes, I performed for the CCM candidate – Hon Magufuli.”
Chameleone said he headlined one of Magufuli’s last rallies at Mbezi Beach last Sunday.
He asked; “If I can go and perform for a presidential candidate in Tanzania, and my fans there don’t criticise me, why would it be a problem back in my country?” Chameleone asked. The Milliano singer was, however, quick to add: “I think those criticising us need to understand democracy and how it operates. I am supporting a man who created a safe environment for our talents to blossom to international levels, I am also happy he finally recognised us – and I am happy, that as the leading artiste, I played a major role in this achievement,” Chameleone said.
