C.R.I.$.I.$
The zambian rap industry has been on the rise. Everybody knows somebody who is a “rapper”. Of Coarse they are not all good , but there are those that stand out.
Many are breaking barriers. the first barrier that needed to be broken was rapping in English. some people still have a problem when someone makes a song entirely in english , they say ” why cant you rap in your mother tounge?” or ” he is trying to sound american”. I credit Crisis for breaking that barrier. Since he come onto the scene with his hit song “One day” featuring JK , he has been rapping in english , he faced opposition but he has continued and is now ,in my opinion the most successful rapper in Zambia.
He is also the most consistent zambain rapper. There are many “one hit wonders” but C.R.I.$.I.$ definetly is not one of them. He has released 3 albums. And they all show his growth as an artist , both lyrically and production wise.
The reason why i say he is the most succesful zambian rapper is because of his many achievments such as:
- He has sold 15 000+ CD’s in Zambia
- In 2004 he had the third position in a rap battle in South Africa that aired live SABC.
- In 2005 he signed deal with U.K.management, Clavel Inc,.
- Also in 2005 he was First Zambian to perform at the Channel-O Video Music Awards performing his song “One day”.
- Again in 2005 ,his album Officer in Charge was released. First hip-hop record, produced and released in Zambia by a Zambian artist.
- In 2006 he won a Brath Award. Best Zambian Hip-Hop artist.
- In 2008 he released ‘Designer’ his first U.K. debut.
- In 2007 he appeared on a Mixtape by DJ Green Lantern, Myspace Monster Mash & DJ Ames, called US-UK Takeover also featuring Craig David & Lil’ Wayne
- In 2009 he released is critically accliamed third album Mr. Swagger
- In 2011 he won a BEFFTA award for Best International act.
The BEFFTA award was a very big achivement he was up against other well know artists such as Sade (UK), Fally Ipupa (DR Congo), 2 Face (Nigeria), Ali Kiba (Tanzania) and M.I. (Nigeria). He went on to dedicate the award to the people who told him to stop rapping in english.
He is currently working on a number of projects , he recently worked with US rapper Lil’Flip .A snippet of their collaboration, as well as other songs, can be heard on his facebook page.
Some of his stand out songs include “Fire Inside” featuring Linx and CamStar.
It is a very nice track , the beat and lyrics are on point . Great video
Another nice track is “Make the crowd go” featuring JK
It is a laid back track , JK assists with the hook and also does a bridge. He raps “…they thought i was a diamond imitation , research tells me they all thought with limitation.” , addressing the people who underestimated him.
Look out for more of him in the near future.
Not bad. The boy is rolling and anyone who appreciates rap music can feel him flow… whaaa!!
I admire his tenacity to stick with what he loves despite the zambian/african audience not being so appreciative of african rap music. That’s passion right there for you.
Great article! Crisis, hater’s always gon’ hate but u keep doin ur thing! Definately the most succesfull zambian rapper
PK Chishala for life!
My opinion is that this man wishes he was born America, he loathes at the idea that he is Zambian. His music is always rap/crap.
you are a fool! how do u cal hs music crap, jus bcoz u dont lyk it? art is art!
this guy is the best
good for him..u just gud man!
U got talent keep it upU got talent keep it up
Chisenga has always dreamed big..from back in the day…just keep doing your thing and smile at all these haters!!LOL!
If you have self belief in yourself…. the sky is definitely the limit!!
That was to the point! Thats my guy alright..good article.
Da guy is jst gud n has a vision dat most Zed artiste dnt hav