PHILLY LUTAAYA MEMORIES: Chameleone a Man Destined to Fight his Own Health Ghost in the Darkness

TV10 Media Patrol Ug

Watching ailing Ugandan star singer Joseph Mayanja aka Jose Chameleone alias Ragga Jose, check in at Entebbe International Airport, a few days ago, minus a registered medical personnel or his mother by his side, brought back memories of the late Philly Bongole Lutaaya ‘s 1989 , final voyages out of the country.

Philly, a then Ugandan – Sweden-based super artiste plagued by a terminal disease, at the time, flew out with his manager ‘stein’ and brother the late cricket ace Abbey Lutaaya, for treatment and final recording of his last music album.

Philly, was later to become the first African musician to declare that he was suffering from AIDS who gained world acclaim for publically making his status known.

Chameleone, who surprisingly wore a similar cap to that that Philly always wore towards his end, was escorted by a party that included US-based Ugandan businesswoman cum singer Juliet Zawedde and his equally unstable brother Douglas Mayanja aka Weasel Manizo, of the GoodLyfe crew aka Radio & Weasel

No wonder, Chameleone, would later be seen on video while airborne, enjoying a glass of champagne !!

This sad incident maybe an indicator of what might be in stock for the ailing singer and that he only has to take care of himself. Though Chameleone, is undoubtedly a very brilliant human being, his foolishness to cling on sipping at frothy stuff is inexcusable. Take it or live it, like me or hate me, it will only take Chameleone’s will and determination to keep himself ‘ALIVE’.

The silly stories being told by his so-called close associates that he needs to be high because of stress is utter stupidity. Being ‘ high’ will not bring back an estranged wife or children but will surely and certainly kill him. That feeling postpones reality but when you sober up, it all comes back to you in three fold.

Having recovered from an imbibing problem almost a decade ago, without the so-called rehab sessions, but with sheer personal resilience to beat the habit, I have since believed that anyone can do the same more if they are suffering from a recurring ailment.

Bwana, Chameleon, is now ALONE and he can get out of this ALONE. Getting into a healthy being will certainly give him a chance to correct any error and maybe reconcile with those close to his heart.