Ugandan music star Jose Chameleone has reflected on his early years in Kenya, crediting Kenyan dancehall veteran Redsan with helping him navigate Nairobi and connect with audiences across the city.
Chameleone shared the memories on Thursday, August 27, 2026, as Redsan prepares to mark three decades in the music industry.
The Ugandan singer described Redsan as a brother, friend and family member while thanking him for welcoming him to Kenya and introducing him to different parts of Nairobi.
“Thank you for welcoming me to Kenya and introducing me to your big family.”
Chameleone specifically recalled being taken to neighbourhoods including Eastleigh, Dandora, South B, South C, Kibera and Kayole.
Chameleone Remembers Nairobi’s Entertainment Scene
The singer said his friendship with Redsan extended beyond music and introduced him to Nairobi’s vibrant nightlife.
He fondly remembered visiting Florida 2000, a popular nightclub that became part of his early experiences in the city.
“You introduced me to Florida 2000, the dance floor!!! We dreamt about these days. We are here now.”
Chameleone’s memories highlight the importance of Nairobi’s entertainment industry to East African artistes who were looking to expand their audiences beyond their home countries.
His connection with Kenya dates back to the late 1990s. In 1999, he released his breakthrough song, Bageya, in Nairobi, with Redsan featuring on the track.
The song helped Chameleone establish a foothold in the Kenyan music scene before his popularity grew significantly in Uganda.
Kenya’s Role in Chameleone’s Career
Chameleone’s experience also reflects Nairobi’s position as an important regional entertainment hub during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The city offered artistes access to recording studios, radio stations, nightclubs and audiences from across East Africa. Chameleone was also associated with Kenyan music label Ogopa DJs during his early career.
His friendship with Redsan and fellow Ugandan artiste Bebe Cool further strengthened the cross-border links, with the three artistes at one point forming an East African bashment crew before eventually pursuing separate paths.
The relationship also influenced Redsan’s career.
The Kenyan artiste previously recalled that his close association with Chameleone and Bebe Cool became so prominent that some people began questioning whether he was actually Kenyan.
That experience inspired his 2004 song Shika Glasi, which he recorded entirely in Swahili as a way of reaffirming his Kenyan identity.
Redsan Marks 30 Years in Music
Chameleone’s tribute comes as Redsan prepares to celebrate 30 years in the music industry.
The veteran artiste is set to headline the Celebrating 30 Years of Dancehall Royalty concert on August 29 at Nairobi’s Carnivore Gardens.
Chameleone is among the regional artistes expected to perform at the event, alongside Bebe Cool, Tanzanian musicians AY and TID, and Kenyan stars Jua Cali, Wyre and Nazizi.
For Chameleone, the celebration offers an opportunity to honour not only Redsan’s longevity but also the role their friendship played in his early career.
His tribute serves as a reminder of the cross-border collaborations and personal relationships that helped shape East Africa’s music industry.