Ugandan music icon Jose Chameleone has broken his silence following alarming claims made by his son, Abba Marcus, about his health on TikTok.
Last year, Abba, the singer’s firstborn son with ex-wife Daniella Atim, took to social media to reveal that his father had only “two years to live.”
He attributed Chameleone’s medical condition to prolonged alcohol use, adding that the legendary artist was battling acute pancreatitis — a sudden inflammation of the pancreas.
In an emotional video, Abba shared his father’s struggles and expressed frustration over the lack of support from family members.
He also defended his mother, pushing back against online narratives blaming her for the singer’s condition.
“My father struggles with alcohol addiction and has been for a while now. Hence, the weight loss that people have been talking about,” Abba said.
“It completely disheartens me when I see the internet bashing my mother, making her the cause of everything. I’m here to tell you that is completely false. My mother has nothing to do with it.”
Responding to the comments, the “Valu Valu” and “Wale Wale” hitmaker attributed his son’s remarks to “youthful ignorance,” saying illness is never a choice.
“No one desires to be unwell,” Chameleone said, adding that he believed his son’s sentiments were rooted in concern. “I don’t want to address the matter further.”
The veteran singer had been in the United States for two months, receiving medical treatment, and continues to recover. Speaking on his condition, he expressed gratitude for life and described his recovery as a miracle.
“I almost died, but God gave me a second chance,” he said.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, acute pancreatitis can be triggered by several factors, including excessive alcohol use, injury to the pancreas, certain medications, infections, or inherited gene mutations.
Symptoms often include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, fever, and pain after eating.