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Crisis Mr. Swagger

2011 BEFFTA Awards, USA Winner-BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
Zambia’s leading, International Hip-Hop artist.
2010 - opened for Akon and Sean Paul in Zimbabwe to a stadium capacity of 48, 000 people.

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Hometown	Lusaka, Zambia
Genres	Hip_Hop, Urban
Band Members	Solo Act
Achievements
Upcoming Shows	None

Contact Information:	Manager Crystin Stephens crisismrswagger@gmail.com +260976767410 Label Mr. Gander diamondchaincs@gmail.com +260976767410
# Years Experience Performing Live:	15
# Live Perfomances Past Six-months:	21
Market Draw:	United States of America: 800+; Zimbabwe: 800+; South Africa: 800+; Zambia: 701-800; Malawi: 800+; France: 101-150; United Kingdom: 800+; Belgium: 76-100; Atlanta, Georgia, USA: 800+
Venue History:	National Sports Stadium - Harare, ZI Sydney Marcus Auditorium - Atlanta, GA Hollywood City - Lusaka, ZM Mulungushi International Conference Center - Lusaka, ZM Latinova, Rosebank - Johannesburg, SA Intercontinental Hotel Zambia - Lusaka, ZM London Bridge Hotel - London, UK Oxfam, Oxjam venue - London, UK Oxfam, Oxjam venue - London, UK
Opener Experience:	Akon; Sean Paul; Amerie; Oliver Mthukudzi; Bongo Muffin
Performing Rights Society:	Outside US
Discography:	The Fire Inside Single—2011; Mr. Swagger LP—2009; Designer LP—2007; C.R.I.$.I.$ Presents The Diamond Chain LP—2006; It;s Not a Merry Xmas Single—2006; Officer in Charge LP—2005; The City Single—1999

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About the Artist

2011 BEFFTA Awards, USA Winner-BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
Zambia’s leading, International Hip-Hop artist.
2010 - opened for Akon and Sean Paul in Zimbabwe to a stadium capacity of 48, 000 people.

2010 Performed at MTV Base Africa event during The 2010 World...

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Make The Crowd Go Featuring JK

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Mr. Swagger wins BEFFTA US Award by Staff Writer
Chisenga Katonga, Mr. Swagger, AKA, C.R.I.$.I.$, the Zambian Hip Hop musician has scooped USA BEFFTA award 2011 in the BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT category. The Zambian beat the other competitors in this heavy-weighty category that included Sade (UK), Fally Ipupa (DRC Congo), 2 Face (Nigeria), Ali Kiba (Tanzania) and M.I. (Nigeria) and myself, CRI$I$ Mr. Swagger (Zambia). Mr. Swagger in his e-mail to UKZAMBIANS said: “This category was tightly contested and, I must admit, I have a lot of respect for the other nominees. I see how hard they work and, I think that they are great artists. Fortunately and thank God, I won the award and it will be going home to Zambia with me. “This achievement is a humbling experience for me and, I am glad that Zambia is slowing being recognized for the part that it’s playing in the entertainment industry. “I hereby wish to take this opportunity to thank you for all the great support that you have given me. I ask that you may continue to support me and, as you know, I am there for you when and if you need me to help you with anything. I am never too busy for my people”, Said Mr. Swagger. He said the Award is dedicated “to my new born daughter, ‘Tia Larae Katongo.’” The BEFFTA Awards were launched in London in October 2009. This year, the awards debut in Atlanta as an integral part of the African-American celebrations to commemorate Black History Month in the USA.

C.R.I.S.I.S Mr Swagger, has been nominated for the by Staff Writer - Terence Miselo
HIP hop artiste Chisenga Katongo, also known as C.R.I.S.I.S Mr Swagger, has been nominated for the BEFFTA Awards to take place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta next month. The Black Entertainment, Film, Fashion, Television & Arts Awards Awards, a prestigious international event and a distinctly special awards ceremony honouring the best entertainment and showbiz personalities in the black community in the UK, USA and globally has pitted the Zambian in the Best International Act category. C.R.I.$.I.$. Mr. Swagger is nominated in The Best International Act alongside artistes such as Sade (UK), M.I. (Nigeria), 2Face (Nigeria), Ali Kiba (Tanzania), Fally Ipupa (Congo DRC). While those nominated in the Best Male Act include: Usher, Big Andre, Ludacris, Trey Songs and Maxwell," read the statement. Eventual winners of the awards will be decided by public/global vote, which will be done both online and also by sms. Each nominee will be given a nominee number for sms voting and also a link for online voting which the artistes can give their fans to vote. And Chisenga, who is currently working on a new album (B.I.G), in an interview said he had been persistent in trying to keep his music international and as such he was happy to get the recognition.

Zimbabwe hosts Sean Paul, Akon by Staff Writter - Moses Kuwema
AMERICAN R n’ B singer Akon last Saturday attracted a huge crowd at Harare’s National Sports Stadium for a one-off performance. Thousands of Zimbabweans, and many from neighbouring countries including Zambia couldn’t afford to miss the opportunity that also attracted Jamaican Sean Paul on stage. The stadium was a hive of activity as early as 09:00 hours, proving Akon’s visit the highest-profile gig to be hosted in Zimbabwe since the turn of the millennium. His combination with Sean Paul made it a must-attend event and the crowd spoke volumes. Yet those who could not make their way to the event attempted to catch a glimpse of the Senegalese-born singer whose real names is Aliaune Damala Thiam. And by mid afternoon, Akon and Sean Paul’s hotel - Meikles Hotel – had been surrounded by enthusiastic locals. However, the two artistes only made it to the National Sports Stadium around 22:00 hours, moments after some of their fans that waited outside the hotel had lost hope of catching a glimpse of them and dispersed. At the venue, Zambian hip hop artiste Crisis otherwise known as Mr Swagger joined his counterparts in Zimbabwe that prepared the stage for the visiting stars. The turn for Crisis was not the best of receptions as the crowd had anxiously been waiting for Akon and wanted the Zambian off stage sooner than he appeared. A determined Crisis stayed on, and somehow enticed the crowd into his music with numbers such as The fire inside, Electric boogie and Make the crowd go.

Sean Paul arrives by Editor PHILLIP CHIDAVAENZI/CARTER CHAPWANYA
HARARE - There was mayhem at the Harare International Airport Friday afternoon after Jamaican dancehall king, Sean "Don't tear" Paul touched down aboard a British Airways plane as hordes of fans breached the security cordons and scrambled to touch the mega star. “Akuuya! Akuuya! (He’s coming! He’s coming!),” a fan cried out as Sean Paul approached the terminal exit. As soon as he stepped out, the screaming fans pounced on the unsuspecting star who was surrounded by four bodyguards. The international superstar had to be practically thrown into a Quantum (Kombi) which was closest before being whisked away to a local hotel where he was booked together with Akon who arrived on Thursday. Sean Paul arrived at the Harare International Airport at 2pm but could only be let out of the VIP lounge at 3:20pm when his entourage of about 15 people (including his dancers) and luggage were safely allocated vehicles parked at the entrance of the departure bay. Meanwhile, police in Harare said yesterday they had put in place watertight security measures ahead of the Akon and Sean Paul concert at the giant Harare National Sports Stadium tonight. Police spokesperson James Sabau yesterday assured Akon – real name Alliuane Badara Thiam – and Sean Paul’s fans that logistics were in place and the police were prepared for the big show.

C.R.I.$.I.$ a.k.a Mr Swagger heading to Zimbabwe by Staff Writer - Charity
Zambian Hip Hop artist,C.R.I.$.I.$ a.k.a Mr Swagger is heading to Zimbabwe to perform alongside Akon and Sean Paul at the National Sports Stadium in Harare. C.R.I.$.I.$ will perform live in a concert with Akon and Sean paul as well as other African artists who have been invited by Zimswag Entertainment, the organisers. The show will take place on September 4th ,2010 and starts at 12:00 noon. C.R.I.$.I.$ and his agent Peter Chikwampu confirmed in an interview with UKZAMBIANS that the concert was all about uniting african artists in the region by encouraging them to work together as one,like what the late Bob Marley and Tracy Chapman did back in the day. C.R.I.$.I.$ said he will go with JK another Zambian artist whom he will perform with the song ‘Oneday’ from his first album. He said that other songs he will perform are ‘Make the crowd go’ from his new album and ‘The fire inside’. C.R.I.$.I.$ said that he is excited to have the opportunity to perform alongside Akon and Sean Paul and hopes that they can do a collaboration in future. He said about 50 thousand fans are expected to attend the show and it was not only for Zimbabweans but also those from other African countries. And Chikwampu said that there will be an after party for all artists at Rainbow Towers in Harare. To ensure that many Akon fans travel to Zimbabwe for the live concert, The Zambian Airline, Zambezi Airline will reduce the fare only to those going to attend the concert as they are part of the companies sponsoring the show. The tickets are going at $10 for kids,$15 for stadium ground,$25 for sitting,$50 VIP and Golden Circle $100. Thats it from ZED, Akon is rocking Africa and its the real deal!

C.R.I.$.I.$ to perform at MTV-Base gig in SA by Staff Writer - Terence Miselo
ZAMBIAN hip hop artiste Chisenga Katongo is destined to perform in South Africa next week at an MTV-Base gig organised to spice up entertainment in light of the ongoing World Cup tournament. Chisenga Katongo popularly known as C.R.I.S.I.S Mr Swagger who last Friday unveiled a new video entitled The Same at Hollywood City Nightclub in Lusaka, revealed in an interview that his latest videos from two singles are now showing on MTV Base. “As you may know I have an invitation to perform in Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday July 7 at the MTV Base Party at Latinova in Rosebank. This comes after my successful tour to South Africa where I had meetings with MTV Base and have confidently expressed happiness at my works. My music is doing fine there and my videos are now showing,” says C.R.I.S.I.S. He added that his earlier video Fire Inside is currently receiving favourable responses to make him feel very confident to appear at the performance. “The song (Fire Inside) will also be available for mobile downloads in South Africa as a way of encouraging African musicians to get more international exposure through mobile content providers,” adds CRISIS who despite the poor attendance at the show, stuck to the programme with performances from him and members of the Diamond Chain label.

Diamond Chain Music Comes Alive by Editor
This year will see local label Diamond Chain Services expand on it's marketing as it seeks further international appeal with it's products. The label has so far released two international products. Label CEO and rapper/producer, 'Crisis Mr. Swagger' says that he has just completed work on three projects which will be released in a few weeks time. Amongst them is the highly anticipated album by local rapper 'L.B.' whose song 'Yamu Local' Feat. African Princess has been a play list favorite for many urban radio stations locally. L.B. has also just completed shooting a video for his song 'Munyelamomo' in which the rapper addresses artists that try to work against him. Two weeks ago, Diamond Chain Services released a freestyle called 'Bakali Nibandani' in which L.B. claims to be the next big thing on the local scene. The rapper has earned his bragging rights as he has become a ppopular figure at Lusaka's Cypher 260, where he frequents on weekends and often freestlyes for the public. He has become a favorite amongst the upcoming rappers there. This has further catapulted his fame as the anticipation for the release of his album titled 'Yamu Local' continues to grow. Another highly anticipated album is by rapper, Camstar who has now been working with C.R.I.$.I.$ for just over two years. The rapper has released several mixtapes but the most popular one on the underground circuits was titled 'Blue Paper Season.' The mixtape featured high powered Hip-Hop productions from Crisis Mr. Swagger and Mad Skills producer, Dabo. It featured songs such as Feeling Like a Winner with Hot FM DJ, Soosh Matix, A Little More Love Featuring Crisis and Levins. Diamond Chain has said that the company will release most of this material commercially so as to make it more accessible to the public. Camstars debut album is to be titled 'Capitalism.' It features production by Profyle, Klappa Heiz, Lynx and Crisis Mr. Swagger who is also the executive producer of the project.

Zambia Prepares to Celebrate World IP Day by Blogger - Aurelia J. Schultz
This coming Monday, 26 April, is World Intellectual Property Day. The folks in Zambia, led by the new Zambian Association of Musicians (ZAM), are busy preparing for the special day. Beginning this weekend, viewers of Zambia’s television stations will see new public service adverts encouraging the respect of intellectual property. The adverts, produced by ZAM and the Zambian government feature hip hop star and ZAM Publicity Secretary, C.R.I.$.I.$. If the advert becomes available on the net, Afro-Leo will be sure to add a link. In addition to the ongoing television adverts, there will also be a march on Monday to commemorate World Intellectual Property Day. The march will take participants from the Lusaka Post Office to the Lusaka National Museum. The marching group will include musicians, members of ZAM and members of the Zambia Copyright Society (ZAMCOPS). If you happen to be in Lusaka on Monday, join in; everyone is welcome to walk with the group and help promote awareness of intellectual property rights. The march begins at 9am. Afro-Leo wishes the organizers of the march a happy and successful World IP Day.

Zambian stars rap against Human Trafficking by By Elizabeth Barnhart
Top hip hop artists in Zambia have united to record a pulsating song that will enable the public to learn important messages about human trafficking while dancing to a new urban beat. The country has recently passed a passed a law criminalising human trafficking in the country. Listen to the song: Break the chain. Left: Hip hop stars pose with Miss Zambia 2008 Finalists. Produced by the UN's Human Trafficking Programme, Zambia's first anti-trafficking campaign theme song is a departure from convention. “To reach and educate young people who are particularly vulnerable and who usually shun social messages, we needed an equally modern and unconventional way of getting our message across,” says Gerry Finnegan, ILO Representative. “This strategy puts entertainment first, but still gets the message firmly across.” Entitled “Break the Chain”, the project started with four Zambian mega stars signing on and has since attracted the voices of more than eight of Zambia's 'most happening' hip hop artists. The four minute 'bounce-to-the-beat' hip hop track, sung in English interspersed with three local Zambian languages, warns young people of the illegal trade in human beings and the false promises of a 'better life' that human traffickers use to lure their victims. “I got involved because human trafficking mostly affects the people that listen to my music. The only way I know how to positively influence other young people is through my voice,” says Chisenga Katongo, who goes by the name CRISIS. “To me hip-hop is more than just music; it's a culture. It has a profound influence on young people because they happily embrace it, so what better way to educate them than through something they readily accept,” he says. Hip Hop artists are not the only celebrities who are joining the fight against human trafficking. Miss Zambia 2008 has also signed up as a counter-trafficking advocate for the duration of her reign.

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Crisis Mr. Swagger

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