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Crisis Mr. Swagger Announces New LP Release
Growing up in Lusaka, Zambia was a whole different story from most Western countries. The parenting rules suggested that you go by the book. Go to school, get a job, get married, have kids and keep working then repeat for all following family members.
However, this was not the case for Crisis Mr. Swagger. Born Chisenga Katongo in Lusaka, Zambia on 27 May, this Gemini would redefine the norm by releasing the first Hip-Hop album recorded and produced in his home country, Zambia. This step has opened doors and, he is hailed as a pioneer.
One day while sitting in his mother’s kitchen at the age of 10, he heard a song that would change his whole life. It was ‘Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five – The Message.’ The words “Don’t push me ‘cause I’m close to the edge/I’m trying not to lose my head.” This was the day he decided that rapping was going to be his bread and butter.
Fast forward to 2015, he has won several local awards back home, shared the stage with fellow artists such as Akon, Sean Paul, E-40, Curtis Young, DJ Yella of NWA, E3, Oliver Mthukudzi and many others. He has also performed around the world from America, Australia, Britain, Belgium, Botswana, Canada, France, Malawi, South Africa and back to Zimbabwe and Zambia plus won several awards including Best International Artist.
The rapper has been in Australia for 2 years, and spent most of his time performing and crafting his latest album which was independently released on his own Independent label, Diamond Chain Music. While he is looking to get a distribution deal, he is working with his current resources to keep things moving.
His new LP, The Quiet Don Vol. 1 was released on the full moon of June, 2015. He always wanted to release a project in line with this celestial event. The album plays best on Spotify as this is one of the few streaming services that play it as it is made to be heard. It has been curated like a radio show. People don’t make albums in that order. You can listen to it from his website here: www.diamondchainmusic.com
Being of African descent, Crisis Mr. Swagger makes it a point to take us back to his roots, with a glimpse of sounds from The Mother land where he grew up listening to ZamRock Music and another genre known as Kalindula. African greats such as Paul Ngozi (The Jimi Hendrix of Africa), Mulemena Boys, The Witch, PK Chishala and many others created a haunting sound. As a boy, the rapper listened to this music as his grandparents played vinyl next to an empty swimming pool where he played as a child. The music echoed in the empty space. This happened so many times that it had to have a sonic effect on the way he heard music.
The Quiet Don LP is also inspired by Dr. Dre, Pink Floyd (Dark side of The Moon), Erick B. and Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, The Beatles, Otis Redding, Bob Marley and Michael Jackson to mention a few.
In addition, the artist showcases his production skills as he mastered and recorded this LP in his home studio. His dream is to work with young artists and nurture them to believe in themselves and their dreams.
In closing, the rapper would like to thank everybody that has supported him from the venues, promoters, publications and the Mayor of The City of Perth, Lisa Scaffidi for her never ending, encouragement.
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Crisis Mr. Swagger Website: www.diamondchainmusic.com Email: crisis@diamondchainmusic.com