Did King Saha Write Badilisha and Valu Valu for Jose Chameleone?

Many times, artists and songwriters claim to have written songs for prominent musicians without receiving proper credit, only for the artists in question to deny these claims. In a similar vein, one of Uganda’s top vocal artists, King Saha, recently asserted in an interview with some local media that he was behind several songs for East Africa’s legendary artist Jose Chameleone. The two songs he specifically mentioned are Badilisha and Valu Valu, both produced by the well-known Ugandan producer Paddyman at Audio1 Records Studio. These tracks are among Chameleone’s biggest hits of all time, further solidifying his status as a leading artist in East Africa.

But is it true that the then-unknown King Saha wrote Badilisha and Valu Valu for Chameleone without receiving due recognition? Was there an agreement that Saha wouldn’t be credited, or is there another reason for the sudden controversy nearly a decade later? Could there be a hidden agenda behind Saha’s allegations, and if so, what is driving it?

While it doesn’t confirm the truth, if you’ve been listening to Jose Chameleone’s music for some time, it seems improbable that anyone else wrote these songs for him. For one, the songs are in Swahili, a language in which King Saha hasn’t demonstrated proficiency. Moreover, the tone and style of the tracks align with Chameleone’s signature, dating back to his earlier works. But these are merely speculative observations.

😂😂😂 wrote Valu Valu but doesn’t have a single Swahili song of his own …..oba muli biki …oba ye tayagala kuyimbako Kenya ? Tanzania? https://t.co/P7uTWbaFsB

— YKEE BENDA (@YkeeBenda) September 21, 2024

Nevertheless, Jose Chameleone himself addressed the issue in a leaked audio clip, firmly stating that he writes all his own music. He invited the other person in the clip to speak with his long-time producer, Paddyman, who could confirm how Chameleone enters the studio with nothing written in advance, relying on raw emotions and ideas to craft his songs. Chameleone also emphasized that some individuals fabricate stories in interviews to leech off the fame of others.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time King Saha has had disputes with fellow musicians, including Bebe Cool and Eddy Kenzo. Some sources suggest these feuds are linked to political affiliations, which are increasingly dividing Uganda’s music industry. Additionally, King Saha and Jose Chameleone share a significant history, with Chameleone believed to have helped introduce Saha to the music industry.