Billed as 'Jose Chameleone Live in Kigali,' the concert marked the artist's long-awaited return to Rwanda after a health-related hiatus.
Chameleone, who has ruled the East African music scene for over 25 years, was joined on stage by his brother Weasel and Rwanda's music veteran Rafiki Coga Style, creating a night of celebration that bridged generations.
Originally slated for earlier this year, the show was postponed after Chameleone travelled to the U.S. for medical treatment, spending five months recovering. But the buzz never died down. The moment tickets went on sale, they were snapped up in record time by fans eager to relive the golden days of East African music.
And when the night finally arrived, Kigali Universe was the place to be. A packed house of devoted fans, many of whom grew up on Chameleone's music in the early 2000s, filled the venue to capacity. DJs Lexx Lexx, Niyem, and RY kept the energy high while MC Bior hyped up the crowd with effortless charisma.
The show kicked off with a powerful set by Rafiki Coga, a pioneer of Rwanda's 'Coga Style.' Performing fan favourites like 'Gikomando' and 'Bwongoza 4' (a collab with Jay Polly and Riderman), Rafiki was met with loud cheers.
In a touching moment, co-host Lucky, alongside Power FM's Iradukunda Bertrand, paused the show to honour Rafiki as one of the trailblazers of the Rwandan music scene. Fans raised their hands in solidarity and respect.
Then came the man of the hour. As Chameleone hit the stage, the entire atmosphere shifted. The crowd jumped to their feet, the nostalgia kicked in, and hit after hit rang out in full live-band glory.
From timeless anthems like 'Valu Valu,' 'Tubonge,' and 'Nkoleki' (with Melody), to newer tracks like 'Agatako' (performed alongside DJ Pius), Chameleone showed why he remains one of the region's most magnetic performers.
The surprises kept coming.
Midway through the show, Weasel joined Chameleone on stage, sparking loud cheers. The pair performed 'Bomboclat' and 'Lwaki Onumya,' the latter dedicated to their late music partner Radio, whom Weasel honoured with a heartfelt tribute:
'Rest in peace, brother Radio.'
But it was Weasel's romantic declaration to his Rwandan lover Sandra Teta that melted hearts.
Before performing Good Life's 'Breath Away,' he turned to the crowd and said:
'Do you know why this song means so much to me? Because Kigali gave me the most beautiful woman, Sandra Teta Ndayigutuye. And there are so many beautiful women here tonight.'
He ended by affirming the Mayanja family's deep love for Rwanda, revealing that his visit would include a family introduction at Sandra Teta's home. The couple, who share two daughters, have been together for seven years.
The crowd chanted for more, refusing to let the night end. Fans across every age group sang along, danced, and relived their youth with every beat.
The concert was graced by some of Rwanda's biggest names in entertainment, including Massamba Intore, Jules Sentore, Teta Diana, Platini P, Ishimwe Clement, Christopher, Junior Rumaga, David Bayingana, Shemi, Kenny Sol, and MC Ange K. Umulisa, the ex-wife of DJ Pius.
Chameleone's return to Kigali came after a long hiatus. His last performance in the Rwandan capital was in 2018 at DJ Pius' 'Iwacu' album launch.
Video: Rukimbira Divin
Photos : Key Cyubahiro
IGIHE
