• Red Banton says Dr Jose Chameleone and Jeff Kiwa are unwelcome at his burial

• He revisits unresolved controversy surrounding Karamagi’s death at Seguku

• Banton praises Radio as Uganda’s Bob Marley, citing his lasting musical legacy

Veteran singer Red Banton has sparked fresh debate in Uganda’s music industry after publicly outlining who he does not want to attend his burial, should he pass away before them.

He made the remarks while attending a thanksgiving and remembrance prayer for the late Mowzey Radio at his home in Nakawuka. He said some individuals—particularly fellow musicians—behaved disrespectfully during Radio’s burial, with reports of celebration and even fights at the ceremony. According to Banton, such people were chased away from Radio’s remembrance events and should never appear at his own burial.

When asked to name those he was referring to, Red Banton openly mentioned Dr Jose Chameleone of Leone Island, alongside Chameleone’s former manager and former Goodlyf Crew manager Jeff Kiwa.

Banton said he does not want Chameleone anywhere near his burial if he dies before the Jamila hitmaker. While clarifying that he does not wish death upon the singer, Banton said he believes Chameleone should live long enough to face the consequences of his past actions.

“I don’t wish him death, but I don’t want him anywhere near my burial. Let him live and deal with what he has done,” Red Banton said during the gathering.

The veteran singer also revisited long-standing concerns surrounding the late Karamagi, who passed away at Chameleone’s Seguku residence several years ago under circumstances that were never fully clarified publicly. Red Banton alleged that Chameleone no longer sleeps in the house he built, suggesting that he believes the Leone Island boss is haunted by unresolved issues connected to Karamagi’s death.

Meanwhile Red Banton reserved glowing praise for the late Radio, describing him as the greatest musician Uganda has ever produced. He likened Radio’s legacy to that of Jamaican reggae icon Bob Marley, noting that Marley’s birthday is continuously celebrated in Jamaica—something he believes is now happening for Radio in Uganda.

Banton further pointed out that nearly every DJ and media house still plays Radio’s music years after his passing, a testament to his enduring impact. He suggested that jealousy from some living artists may explain their absence from Radio’s thanksgiving ceremony.

While Red Banton and Dr Jose Chameleone were once close allies in the industry, their public fallout now appears deep and unresolved.