Chris Chameleon Biography

Innovative, prolific and endlessly creative, Chris Chameleon is currently being hailed as a phenomenon on the South African Music front. He has a style all his own and a reputation for mesmerizing audiences with his four octave voice range and irresistible stage personality. His versatile and exceptional talent has won him rave reviews and a total of sixteen impressive awards over the past 3 years, including a SAMA and a Medal of Honor from the South African Academy of Science and Arts.

Background in brief

In 1997, Chris Chameleon became the bassist and front man of one of South Africa’s proudest musical exports, Boo! In 7 years Boo! acquired an enormous cult following worldwide by performing 800 gigs in 17 countries, including 14 states in the USA as well as countries such as Hungary and Croatia. Boo! performed at many European and American festivals with the likes of the White Stripes, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot, Franz Ferdinand, Cypress Hill, Coldplay and many more.  The band also received a South African Music Award (SAMA) in 2002 for ‘Best Pop Album.’

Boo! disbanded in 2004 giving Chameleon the opportunity to go solo and explore his South African roots by releasing the critically acclaimed ‘Ek Herhaal Jou’ (“I repeat you”) a composition of iconic 60's poet Ingrid Jonker's poetry.  ‘Ek Herhaal Jou’ was nominated for a 2006 South African Music Award for Best Adult Contemporary Afrikaans Album. ‘Ek herhaal jou’ reached gold status in South Africa in July 2006 and platinum status in December 2007.

Chris Chameleon released his first DVD “Volkleur” a few months after the release of “Ek Herhaal jou” in 2005. “Volkleur” is a perfect showcase of Chris`s phenomenal solo performances.  The DVD was recorded at Die Boer in Durbanville and reached gold status in 2006.

2006 saw the simultaneous release of his first English solo rock album, ‘Shine’, an album that is loaded with power, passion and beautiful melodies, and a second Afrikaans album, ‘7 de Hemel’ which consists of songs performed by the versatile Chameleon as the popular character Liam in the nation`s favourite SABC 2 soap opera ‘7 de Laan’.  ‘7de Hemel’ reached platinum status within its first 2 months of release. ‘Shine’ produced various chart topping singles on national commercial radio stations and was nominated for a SAMA 2007 Award for Best Alternative Album.

The single “Anywhere” from album ‘Shine’ was entered for the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) and reached the semi-finals in February 2007.

In July 2007, Chris Chameleon released his third Afrikaans album ‘Ek Vir Jou’ which achieved gold status in less than two months after its release.  ‘Ek Vir Jou’ tells the story of the development of a romantic relationship: from love at first sight to the eventual unravelling of the romance.  Chris Chameleon’s extraordinary songwriting ability is apparent in the fact that each of the eleven tracks constitutes strong individual singles, while at the same time they all form part of a chronological whole.

Chris also released a live rock DVD in October 2007: “Flight of an Extraordinary Alien”
Chris Chameleon`s exhilarating stage presence and mesmerizing 4-octave voicework is perfectly captured in this live DVD that was recorded in Stellenbosch Townhall in March 2007.

Chris Chameleon`s popularity and world-class talent has also been evident from various awards that he has won over the past two years. These are:

*    Huisgenoot Tempo Award for Most Popular Afrikaans Album for “Ek Vir Jou.” 2008.
*    Vonk Award for Best Solo DVD for “Klassieke Chameleon” 2008.
*    SAMA Award for Best Afrikaans Contemporary Album – “7de Hemel.” 2007
*    Medal of Honor: Awarded to Chris by the SA Academy of Science and Art for his contribution to Afrikaans Music. 2007
*    FAK Award for Exceptional Cultural Achievement. 2007
*    VONK Award for Best Male Solo Artist. 2007
*    VONK Award for Best Songwriter for STERREDANK. 2007
*    KANNA Award for Best Music Theatre Production at KKNK. 2007
*    People`s Choice Award for KLASSIEKE CHAMELEON at Aardklop 2007
*    Huisgenoot Tempo Award for Favourite Contemporary Artist. 2006
*    Vonk Award for Best Male Artist. 2006
*    Vonk Award for “Best Male Album“Ek Herhaal Jou.” 2006
*    MK89 Award for Best Solo Video “Die Onverkrygbare.” 2006
*    MK89 Award for Sexiest Video “Die Onverkrygbare.” 2006
*    AMT Award for Best Male Album: “7de Hemel.” 2006
*    AMT Award for Best Male video: “Groet.” 2006

(Further SAMA 2007 nominations included “Droomland” for Song of the Year and ‘Shine’ for Best Alternative Album.)

English South African publications HEAT and GQ magazines have included Chris Chameleon in their top listings for 2007: Chris reached the no 6 position of the GQ Best Dressed Male Celebrity Top 10- list, and has been featured the last two years in a row on the HEAT Hot 100 Celebrity list.

In August 2007, Chris Chameleon signed a record deal with the premier independent label in the Netherlands, Excelsior Recordings.  ‘Ek vir jou’ is being distributed by Excelsior Recordings in the Benelux countries (The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.)  In October and November of that year, Chris was invited to support one of the most popular groups in the Benelux, “Spinvis.”  The tour was a great success. Rave reviews appeared in various Dutch publications and this tour was a springboard for what proved to be his most successful tour in the Benelux to date. 

In October – November 2008, Chris performed in 15 of The Netherlands’ most prestigious theatres. The Theater Tour was organised by reputable Kik Productions (http://www.kikproductions.nl/) based in Utrecht.  Chris Chameleon enjoyed full halls and positive media coverage throughout.  The tour ended on a particularly high note with a sold out show at the famous Kleine Komedie in Amsterdam.

With Excelsior Recordings on his side and a growing fanbase in the Netherlands, Chris Chameleon is set to be a pioneering force for South African music in the Benelux countries.

Awards 2008:

Chris Chameleon was nominated in three categories for SAMA Awards 2008, including a nomination in the prestigious category for BEST MALE SOLO ARTIST. The other
two nominations were in categories: Best Global Chart DVD for “Flight of an Extraordinary Alien DVD” and Best Afrikaans Contemporary Album for “Ek vir Jou.”

Releases 2008:

Chris Chameleon impressed both his audiences and critics alike with his new production “Klassieke Chameleon” which received standing ovasions at the Volksblad Festival, Cultivaria Festival, Aardklop 2007 and KKNK 2008. “Klassieke Chameleon” was recorded live on DVD on 26 and 27 January at the Aula Theatre in Pretoria and is available on DVD and CD.

Chris Chameleon introduced another new and very different production “Driekuns” at the Voksbladfestival in Bloemfontein in July 2008. For the first time since his Boo! days, Chris is back on bass, accompanied by Jonathan Crossley on guitars, Leon Ecroignard on percussion and Ampie Omo on keyboard, trumpet, trombone and percussion. Chris performs new compositions of his own hits, as well as some personal favourites, including a few Boo! classics. A special element to “Driekuns” is that it is the first time since the Boo! split, that Chris  has teamed up with Ampie Omo on stage again. “Driekuns” was also presented at the Cultivaria Festival in Paarl and at Aardklop in Potchefstroom in 2008 and will also be staged at KKNK, Oudshoorn in 2009.

In October 2008, Chris Chameleon released the album “Made Available,” which is a taste of Chris Chameleon's music making passion for the last 17 years and an insight into the process involved in recording. This album was intended to explore a new approach for his next studio project but the final product was so pleasing to Chameleon’s ear that he decided to make this pre-production album available online and at live performances.

Coming up in 2009

Chris Chameleon’s new Afrikaans solo album, “Kyk Hoe Lyk Ons Nou” will be released in March.  Chris has teamed up with trusted producer, Theo Crous to create a sound which will signify a progression from the sound that has characterised his first three albums. The music will be featured in a kykNET documentary, “Kyk Hoe Lyk Ons Nou” (Look At Us Now) which takes a closer look at the Afrikaans  community.

Chris is also the featured host in the the abovementioned kykNET documentary, “Kyk Hoe Lyk Ons Nou.” The airdate of this four-part series has not yet been announced.

This year, Chris also has tours planned to the United States, Namibia, England, United Arab Emirates and Germany.  He has another exciting theatre tour planned in Belgium and The Netherlands from  12 October to 22 November to try to meet the demand of his ever-growing Benelux fanbase.  For more information, be sure to check out his gig guide on www.chrischameleon.com/gig
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Chris Chameleon can take anyone on a musical journey that fuels their aural fantasies, simply with a guitar and his magical and unusual voice-work. If this last year is anything to go by, Chris Chameleon is set to be a pioneering force for South African music in the world ... watch this space!

www.chrischameleon.com
www.myspace.com/chrischameleon
www.sonicbids.com/chrischameleon

Chris Chameleon Biografie

Chris Chameleon word beskou as n fenomeen op die Suid-Afrikaanse musiekfront.
Met sy eiesoortige, uitsonderlike styl en vermoë om gehore te bekoor met sy stem wat oor 4 oktawe strek, word Chris gereken as een van die belangrikste en mees gewilde kunstenaars van ons tyd. 

Chris is die afgelope drie jaar bekroon met die indrukwekkende totaal van 16 toekennings, onder andere `n SAMA Toekenning vir Beste Afrikaanse Kontemporêre Album vir “7 de Hemel” en `n Erepenning van die Suid Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns vir sy bydrae tot Ligte Afrikaanse Musiek.

Chris Chameleon het sy loopbaan as `n akteur begin en het reeds op `n jong ouderdom `n DALRO toekenning vir sy toneelspel ontvang. Hy het tussen 1990 en 2000 in meer as 30 televisiereekse (oa Egoli, Konings, Sonkring, Glaskasteel), films en videos opgetree. Daarna het die musiekgogga gebyt en word hy die plofbare voorsanger en baskitaarspeler vir die bekende ‘monki punk’ trio Boo!

In die 7 jaar van Boo! se bestaan het hulle wêreldwye aanhangers gewerf en meer as 800 vertonings in 17 lande gelewer. Boo! was ook na verskeie musiekfeeste in beide Europa en Amerika genooi, waar hulle die verhoog gedeel het met internasionale groepe soos White Stripes, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot, Franz Ferdinand, Cypress Hill, Coldplay ens. Boo! is in 2002 bekroon met `n SAMA Toekenning vir “Beste Pop album”.

Nadat Boo! in 2004 uitmekaar is, het Chris Chameleon teruggekeer na Suid-Afrika om sy herkoms te vier met die bekendstelling van sy eerste Afrikaanse werk: ‘Ek herhaal jou’, `n album met Chris se eie toonsettings van verskeie Ingrid Jonker gedigte.

Chameleon het met hierdie werk daarin geslaag om die digkuns van Ingrid Jonker op 'n modern toeganklike en sensitiewe wyse weer te gee. Chameleon se bydrae tot die herlewing van digkuns by n breër publiek is ook `n noemenswaardige gevolg van ‘Ek herhaal jou.’ Sy insluiting in die span aanstaande skrywers en digters vanuit Nederland en Curacao by geleentheid van die Derde Simposium vir swart Afrikaanse skrywers by UWK in 2006, onder leiding van Antjie Krog, is beduidend van die erkenning wat daar onder sommige van die voorste akademici bestaan vir die rol wat sy akkurate toonsettings in die bevordering van Afrikaanse digkuns speel.

‘Ek herhaal jou’ het in Augustus 2006 Goue Status bereik en in Desember 2007 Platinum Status. Die album was ook benoem vir `n SAMA toekenning vir Beste Afrikaanse Kontemporêre Album.

Chris se eerste solo DVD “Volkleur” is ook in 2005 uitgereik. “Volkleur” is opgeneem tydens `n vertoning by Die Boer in Dunrbanville en het goue status in verkope bereik.

In 2006 het Chris Chameleon die eerste Suid Afrikaanse kunstenaar geword wat op dieselfde dag twee totaal verskillende albums uitgereik het: ‘7de Hemel’, wat in Augustus 2006 platinum status bereik het, is Chris se tweede Afrikaanse album. Dit bestaan uit liedjies wat hy geskryf en gekomponeer het vir die karakter Liam, wat hy vanaf Mei tot Julie 2007 op 7 de Laan, SABC 2 vertolk het. ‘Shine’ is Chris se eerste Engelse solo album en die liedjies daarop is meestal opgedra aan spesifieke vroue in Chris se lewe.

Dit is `n besondere prestasie dat beide hierdie albums in 2007 vir die gesogte jaarlikse SAMA Toekennings benoem is: ‘7 de Hemel’ het die SAMA vir Beste Afrikaanse Kontemporêre Album gewen en ‘Shine’ is benoem in die kategorie vir Beste Engelse Alternatiewe Album. Chris se talent as veelsydige liedjieskrywer en musiekverwerker is ook aangeprys deurdat die lied “Anywhere” vanaf ‘Shine’ die semi-finale rondte in die Internasionale Liedjieskryf Kompetisie (ISC) behaal het, en die lied “Droomland” vanaf ‘7 de Hemel’ vir `n SAMA vir Liedjie van die Jaar genomineer was.

Chris Chameleon se sukses en wêreld-klas talent spreek verder duidelik uit die verskeie
toekennings wat hy die afgelope paar jaar ingepalm het:

• Huisgenoot Tempo Toekenning vir Gewildste Afrikaanse Kontemporêre Album vir “Ek Vir Jou.”
• Vonk (VAMT) Toekenning vir Beste Solo DVD vir “Klassieke Chameleon.” 2008
• SAMA Toekenning vir Beste Afrikaanse Kontemporêre Album “7de Hemel”. 2007
• Erepenning toegeken deur die Suid Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns vir bydrae tot Ligte Afrikaanse Musiek. 2007
• FAK Toekenning vir Buitengewone Kultuurprestasie. 2007
• Vonk Toekenning vir Beste Manlike Solo Kunstenaar. 2007
• Vonk Toekenning vir Beste Liedjieskrywer vir “Sterredank.”
• KANNA Toekenning vir Beste Prestasie Musiekteater KKNK. 2007
• People`s Choice Gewildheidstoekennning vir Klassieke Chameleon by Aardklop 2007
• Huisgenoot Tempo Toekenning vir Gewildste Kontemporêre Kunstenaar. 2006
• Vonk Toekenning vir Beste Manlike Kunstenaar. 2006 
• Vonk Toekenning vir Beste Manlike Album “Ek Herhaal Jou.” 2006
• MK89 Toekenning vir Beste Solo Video “Die Onverkrygbare.” 2006
• MK89 Toekenning vir Sexieste Video “Die Onverkrygbare.” 2006
• AMT Toekenning vir Beste Manlike Album “7de Hemel.” 2007
• AMT Toekenning vir Beste Manlike Video “Groet.” 2007

Chris het in 2007 ook die gewildheids-lyste van twee bekende Engelse Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrifte gehaal: Hy is as no 6 op GQ tydskrif se Stylvolste Manlike Top 10 lys aangewys en het die afgelope twee jaar in HEAT tydskrif se 100 mees gewilde sterre-lys verskyn. (Heat Hot 100)

Chris Chameleon het in Julie 2007 sy derde Afrikaanse album ‘Ek vir jou’ bekendgestel.
‘Ek vir jou’ vertel die verhaal van die verloop van `n verhouding: vanaf liefde met die eerste oogopslag tot die uiteindelike ontknoping daarvan.  Elkeen van die 11 liedjies is só geskryf dat dit op sy eie onafhanklik van die ander kan staan, terwyl dit terselfdetyd deel van `n chronologiese verhaal is. ‘Ek vir jou’ het in September 2007 goue status in verkope behaal.

`n Rock DVD getiteld ‘Flight of an Extraordinary Alien’ is in September 2007 uitgereik.
Chris en sy orkes het`n skouspelagtige rock vertoning in Stellenbosch se Stadsaal gelewer. Hierdie vertoning is op DVD opgeneem en is`n kleurvolle en flambojante tentoonstelling van Chris en sy orkes se veelsydige musikale talente.

Chris Chameleon het in Augustus 2007`n kontrak met Excelsior Recordings in Nederland geteken vir die verspreiding en bemarking van sy nuwe album ‘Ek vir jou’ in die Benelux lande. (Nederland, België en Luxembourg.)  Chris was vanaf 19 Oktober tot 29 November 2007 in Nederland vir `n teater- toer deur die Benelux lande saam met een van Nederland se mees gewilde groepe, “Spinvis.” Die toer was `n groot sukses: Die ontvangs was wonderlik en Chris se Cd`s het van die rakke af gevlieg. Resensies in verskeie Nederlande publikasies het Chris as `n besondere kunstenaar geprys.

Chris het verskeie toere in Nederland en België in  2007 en 2008 suksesvol afgehandel.  In Okt- Nov 2008 het Chris `n groot indruk gemaak tydens sy eerste solo Teater Toer in Nederland. Chris het reeds in November 2007 by van hierdie teaters opgetree toe hy vir “Spinvis” geopen het. Hierdie keer, was Chris Chameleon deur Kik Produksies in Utrecht genooi om sy eie solo teater-toer te doen. Chris se vertonings het vol sale gelok en het op `n hoë noot geeindig met `n uitverkoopte vertoning by die bekende Kleine Komedie in Amsterdam. 

Toekennings 2008:

Chris was in 3 kategorieë benoem vir die SAMA Toekennings 2008:

Beste Manlike Kunstenaar
“Best Global DVD” – Flight of an Extraordinary Alien
Beste Afrikaanse Kontemporêre Album vir “Ek vir jou.”

Hoogtepunte 2008:

Chris Chameleon het in 2007 sy gehore by die Volksbladfees, Cultivaria Fees, Aardklop en by KKNK 2008 gaande gehad met sy produksie “Klassieke Chameleon.” Hierdie skouspelagtige vertoning is in Januarie by die Aula Teater in Pretoria opgeneem en is op DVD en CD beskikbaar.

Chris het nog `n nuwe produksie “Driekuns” tydens die Volksbladfees in Bloemfoentein in Julie 2008 bekendsgestel. Chris speel vir die eerste keer weer na sy Boo! dae baskitaar. Hy word  bygestaan deur Jonathan Crossley op kitare, Leon Ecroignard op perkussie en Ampie Omo op klawers, trompet, tromboon en perkussie. “Driekuns” was ook by Cultivaria Fees, Paarl en by Aardklop 2009 aangebied en sal ook vanjaar by KKNK aangebied word.

In November 2008 het Chris `n onafhanklike nuwe Engelse album “Made Available” uitgereik.
Die album is `n spontane projek waarin Chris Chameleon`n nuwe aanslag vir n volgende album ondersoek het. Die eind-resultaat was vir Chris baie bevredigend en vandaar die besluit om hierdie pre-produksie album by vertonings en aanlyn by www.mymusiek.co.za beskibaar te stel. Navrae: www.chrischameleon.com

Nuwe uitreiking 2009:

Aanhangers kan uitkyk vir Chris Chameleon se nuwe Afrikaanse solo album “Kyk Hoe Lyk Ons Nou”  wat in Maart vanjaar uitgereik gaan word. Die musiek vanaf die nuwe album sal in `n nuwe kykNET dokumentêr met dieselfde titel “Kyk Hoe Lyk Ons Nou” gehoor kan word. Chris is ook die aanbieder van hierdie 4-episode-reeks wat handel oor die Afrikaanse gemeenskap. Die uitsaaidatums vir die reeks is nog nie bekend gemaak nie.

Toere 2009:

Chris sal in die komende jare byna die helfte van sy werktyd oorsee spandeer. Vanjaar beplan hy toere na Amerika, Namibië, Engeland en Duitsland en sal ook weer in Okt-Nov vanjaar terugkeer na Nederland en België  vir`n hoë profiel teater-toer in beide hierdie lande.

www.chrischameleon.com
www.myspace.com/chrischameleon
www.sonicbids.com/chrischameleon