TAKEAWAYS

• Shanks Vivie’D says he mentored Jose Chameleone after the future Leone Island boss approached him in the 1990s.

• He says he has never been jealous of Chameleone’s success, insisting he is proud that his former apprentice went on to perfect his craft.

• Shanks has denied quitting music, explaining that his move to the UK was for further studies at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and revealing that he is working on new music.

Shanks Vivie’D has revealed that he played a major role in the early career of Jose Chameleone, saying the Leone Island boss first approached him in the 1990s and began performing alongside him.

According to Shanks, Chameleone came to him in 1996 seeking an opportunity to perform, marking the beginning of a relationship that would grow into both mentorship and friendship.

Shanks was one of the leading names in Uganda’s music scene in the 1990s and early 2000s, with several popular songs and performances alongside major international acts. His influence on Chameleone’s early career has also previously been acknowledged by Chameleone himself, who said Shanks gave him opportunities to perform and introduced him to important figures in the music industry. one of Uganda’s biggest musical exports while Shanks’ career took a different path, Shanks said there is no bitterness between them.

He said their relationship has always been built on brotherhood and friendship and that they remain good friends to this day.

Shanks was also asked why he never became as big as his former protégé and whether he ever felt jealous of Chameleone’s success.

He dismissed the idea, saying that he is proud of what Chameleone has achieved.

According to Shanks, if jealousy had been part of their relationship, he would never have given Chameleone a helping hand when he was still finding his feet in the industry.

He said he is not interested in rankings or numbers, but is simply happy that the apprentice was able to learn from the master and go on to perfect his craft.

Chameleone has previously credited Shanks with giving him some of his earliest opportunities, including encouraging him to showcase his talents at major events and helping expose him to the wider music industry. UK Rumours

Shanks also addressed longstanding rumours that he abandoned music after moving to the United Kingdom because of a woman.

He dismissed the claims, explaining that he travelled to the UK to further his education and later studied at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). further rejected claims that he retired from music, revealing that he has several new songs in the works.

Shanks has previously maintained that music remains a major part of his life and has continued releasing new material even after stepping away from the limelight. ewer Children

Shanks also offered his perspective on why he does not have as many children as some artistes in the industry.

He explained that during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, many people, including musicians, were more cautious about their sexual lives because of the risks associated with the virus.

He contrasted that period with the present day, arguing that the reduction in the impact of HIV has changed attitudes and behaviour among some artistes.