Renowned East African musician Jose Chameleone, alongside his brother Weasel from the GoodLyfe music group and Rwandan artist DJ Pius, visited Nyundo Music School to explore its unique approach to nurturing music talent. The trio even filmed a music video for their collaborative song during the visit.
The Director of Nyundo Music School, Jacques Murigande, popularly known as Mighty Popo, stated that Chameleone and Weasel were fascinated by the school's advanced facilities, its focus on professional music training, and courses combining vocational skills and leadership.
"Chameleone visited our school out of curiosity, and DJ Pius was the one who brought him here. They utilized Nyundo’s music studio to shoot their music video," Mighty Popo shared.
While touring the institution, Chameleone discovered a talented Hip Hop artist named Ndekwe, whose performance left him captivated. He and Weasel vowed to sponsor the production of two of Ndekwe's songs to help him embark on a professional music career.
"Chameleone and his brother Weasel were excited by Ndekwe’s potential as a Hip Hop artist. They pledged to fund two of his songs as a meaningful contribution to his music journey," Mighty Popo elaborated.
Chameleone also seized the chance to create a new music video with DJ Pius, utilizing the school’s state-of-the-art studio and picturesque surroundings. The song, expected to be released soon, will highlight the synergy among regional artists.
Nyundo Music School, established in 2014, is dedicated to developing skilled musicians. It offers training in music composition, production, and performance, empowering students to build sustainable careers while contributing to cultural enrichment and artistic advancement.
Since its inauguration, the school has produced hundreds of graduates who thrive in the music industry and associated business ventures. Students learn to master diverse instruments, engage in group performances, produce music, and manage events, all while acquiring leadership and general education skills.
Inspired by Nyundo’s success, Chameleone expressed to Mighty Popo his desire to establish a similar music school in Kampala, Uganda, utilizing his extensive landholdings. "Chameleone was deeply moved by the concept of our school and hopes to create a similar institution in Uganda with our guidance," Mighty Popo disclosed.
Mighty Popo added, "This is an extraordinary idea. We’re ready to support Chameleone in building an African music education hub, fostering the continent’s cultural and artistic growth."
Chameleone: A Legendary Icon in East African Music
Joseph Mayanja, widely recognized as Jose Chameleone, remains a trailblazer in East African music, boasting over 25 years of accomplishment. His career began in the 1990s and soared in the early 2000s with hits such as “Mama Mia” and “Bayuda.”
Known for his multilingual singing abilities and exceptional fusion of Afrobeat, Reggae, and traditional Ugandan rhythms, Chameleone has utilized music as a unifying force across African nations.
His visit to Nyundo underscores the impactful intersection of music and education, fostering lasting solutions and spearheading collaborations that elevate cultural and artistic initiatives within East Africa.
Mighty Popo concluded with an inspiring note, "Chameleone’s commitment serves as a powerful example for other artists in the region. When talent aligns with education, it unleashes transformative change."
Jose Chameleone expressed interest in replicating Nyundo Music School’s model in Kampala, Uganda, marking a transformative step for African music education.
Weasel admired the exceptional talent of Nyundo students, joining Chameleone in pledging their support for Hip Hop artist Ndekwe.
DJ Pius and Jose Chameleone filmed their collaborative music video using Nyundo Music School’s modern studio facilities.