This year the ‘versatile’ Chris Swanepoel celebrates his 16th anniversary as Entertainer.

Born 12 September 1961, the younger of two boys, Chris made his performance debut in a school play. Singing at school eisteddfod’s and church choir became his most favorite pastime. As his two favorite uncles worked in the theatre industry, he soon developed a sincere love for the performing arts. On finishing school he did what was expected of him and joined the South African Defense Force. The next two years almost killed the artist within him. Apart from a few incidents of Guitar-singing to some friends, these were the dark years. It was only in 1992 that this passion was awakened once again.

In 1996 he went to Turkey and worked as an Assistant Stage manager at Seven Seas Hotel and Casino. This is where he got serious about singing and started doing a few shows in the Hotel's amphitheatre. He fell in love with performing and returned to Turkey six more times where he worked as an “Animator”. In 1999 he relocated to East Yorkshire for 2 years to further extend his experience as a full time Singer / entertainer.

2001 saw Chris in Rustenburg, competing at the South African Championship of Performing Arts. Here he was crowned “Overall Category Winner, Male Vocal 25 and Over”. Subsequently, he was chosen to represent SA at the World Championships in Burbank, Los Angeles, where he was awarded a total of six medals, two gold and four silver. He was also presented with the “2001 Overall World Champion” trophy in the “Opera Category, Male Vocal 25 and Over”.

It was during this time that Chris met with Margaret Stuart. They started working together as a duo and recorded a few albums together. Performing at some of the most beautiful venues in Cape Town and surrounding areas. Being together for 7 years, Chris & Margaret still give every song their heart and soul. – They connect with their audience as they sometimes still work together.

Since then Chris Swanepoel has been performing all over SA at various festivals and private functions as a full time Entertainer. Over the last few years Chris has also teamed up with various different musicians and performed as a two piece band. His passion with a microphone can only be appreciated once heard performing live.

Chris has also performed in various other countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana and even further. The last two years has taken him to Germany twice where he performed in Stuttgart and other smaller towns surrounding Stuttgart. Singapore also became his favorite abroad venue. Private events have drawn him over. Recently the opening of newer hotels has also been luring him over. This Crooner loves to travel.

Shows include:

• Abba Show – Glitterati Theater in Cape Town
• Sentimental Journey (the show) – Paragon Theater at Simonsig Winefarm
• Tribute to Frank Sinatra – in Cape Town with a five piece called “Rendesvous”
• Various Shows at Dorp Steet Theater in Stellenbosch (such as “Hier is ‘n Mens - the show”)
• Who’s song is it any way – Durbanville Kuns kafee in Durbanville
• “The Wannabe Singer” in Grahamstown
• “The Crooners” in Simonstown & Villa Pascal
• “Glenn Millar Tribute” with “The Jonny Cooper Big Band” – Theatre on the Bay
• “Flirting with Music is Legal” at Quay Four in the V&A Waterfront. CPT.

Cd’s include:

• The Way it used to be – A collection of ballads recorded in the UK
• Sentimental Journey – Song of the 30’s & 40’s with Margaret Stuart
• Hier is ‘n mens – with Margaret Stuart
• Christmas Wishes from Cape Town – feat. Chris Swanepoel & Margaret Stuart and friends from Cape Town
• 4Play – A solo album with four songs in different four genres. (11 original songs)
• Crooning for Tygerberg Children’s Hospital – Double album with 40 songs.
• A very special project.(Work in progress…… to be completed)

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