Rwandan music fans got a dose of nostalgia and energy on Sunday night as Jose Chameleone performed live at Kigali Universe located in the central business district. The night began with Rafiki Coga warming up the crowd with a run of familiar hits including “Yirekeremo,” “Funga Bout Gikomando,” and “Uburara Bwongoza Faux.” His performance hit its stride during a duet with Miss Jojo, drawing cheers and signaling that the crowd was ready for the main act. ALSO READ: Jose Chameleone reveals one song that shaped his career As DJ RY kept the vibe going during the stage transition, the excitement grew. Chameleone finally stepped into the spotlight and launched into “Nawumiya,” followed by “Oooh I Am Waiting for You,” “Vumilia” and “Valu Valu.” His presence was steady, the pacing tight, and the crowd responsive. A highlight came when he invited a fan to sing “Sivyo Ndivyo” with him, turning the performance into a shared moment that echoed across the venue. The show picked up even more momentum when DJ Pius joined him for their collaborative hit “Agatako,” with Chameleone moving seamlessly into “Kipepeo,” “Mama Rhoda,” “Girl You Take My Breath Away” and “Mateeka.” ALSO READ: Jose Chameleone arrives in Kigali ahead of ‘comeback concert As the set neared its close, he was joined by his brother Douglas Mayanja also known as Weasel, taking over with tracks like “Bread and Butter,” “Mukwano,” “Zuena” and a reprise of “Valu Valu.” Together, they ended the night with “Bomboclat” and “Breath Away,” closing out the show on a high note. In the crowd were some of Rwanda’s notable music figures including Teta Diana, Massamba Intore, Uncle Austin, Nel Ngabo, Christopher, and producer Clement. They weren’t backstage or behind the scenes — just fellow fans enjoying the show from the floor. For some in the audience, the night was more than entertainment. Emali Diablo, a Kenyan visiting Kigali for a basketball tournament, said the experience was deeply personal. “I’d been saying for over a month that I wanted to see Jose Chameleone perform before the year ends,” he said. “I didn’t expect it to happen while I was here in Kigali, but it did, and it was everything I hoped for.” Diablo said he grew up on Chameleone’s music and wasn’t sure what to expect from the live performance. “I thought maybe he’d slowed down over the years, but the performance was big,” he said. “He’s still a legend. I listened to him as a kid, and now I’m almost 29. Seeing him live felt like it completed something for me.” Jesca Kabatesi, who said she identifies with both Rwanda and Uganda, described the concert as more than just enjoyable. It exceeded her expectations, she said, and delivered full value for the ticket price. “The show was amazing. I loved the performance, I loved the audience, the vibe was just too much. No one was complaining,” she said. “What you paid is what you got. Honestly, I’d rate the whole night a 10 out of 10.” Eric Gatete, another concertgoer, echoed her sentiment. For him, Chameleone’s performance wasn’t just about the music, but about the experience and the standard it set. “It was very, very good. You could see it—everyone was still buzzing even after the show,” he said. “He sets a great example for Rwandan artists. The way he handles live shows, the connection he has with people, you can tell he’s still relevant, and fans still want to engage with him.” Gatete also noted that the performance seemed to particularly resonate with older fans who grew up listening to Chameleone. He credited the organizers for making the event possible. “A lot of people there were in their 30s and 40s, and they were fully present—like they were finding their younger selves again,” he said. “And I can’t forget to thank the organizers. They’re doing a great job bringing back artists we grew up with. It means a lot.”
