Chameleone reflects on failed business ventures, unveils new magazine – Sqoop

Singer Jose Chameleone has opened up about the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial journey, revealing that despite suffering major financial losses and failed investments over the years, he has no plans of giving up on business.

Speaking about his ventures, the Leone Island boss said he has always sought to diversify his income beyond music by investing in different sectors, although not every project has gone according to plan.

Among the businesses he highlighted was Chameleone Mobile, a mobile phone venture that he said was forced to close after facing challenges he attributed to people who did not want the business to succeed.

“I started Chameleone Mobile, but some people never wanted to see me succeed. I eventually had to sell off the phones to markets in South Sudan and other places and step away from the business,” he said.

Chameleone also recalled his attempt to establish Leone Island TV, saying the project collapsed after he was allegedly defrauded while acquiring a broadcasting licence.

“I started Leone Island TV, but I was conned. Someone sold me what turned out to be only a test signal instead of an actual TV licence, and I lost more than Shs200 million. I chose to walk away because I still value my life,” he said.

The singer revealed that he also launched Chameleone Radio in Burundi, explaining that the station was created more as a way of giving back than as a profit-making venture.

“That venture isn’t about making money. It’s about giving back to a nation that played a big role in laying the foundation for my music career,” he said.

Despite the setbacks, Chameleone said he continues to pursue new opportunities and disclosed that another project, Chameleone Moto, is currently in development.

“I have motorbikes in my name. That’s a big project loading,” he said.

The veteran musician added that while some of his businesses have failed, the experiences have not discouraged him from pursuing entrepreneurship.

“Yes, some businesses haven’t worked out as planned, but I’m still grinding. I won’t stop,” he said.

As part of his latest ventures, Chameleone also announced the launch of the first edition of Chameleone Magazine, adding another brand to his growing portfolio outside music.