Chilu Lemba (born 27 August 1975) is a Zambian and South African–based award-winning voice over artist, author and musician.
He is recognized for his work at prominent Eyewitness News, Talk Radio 702 and Cape Talk.
In June 2019, he released his memoir titled Finding My Voice detailing his journey in the media industry.
Early life Lemba was born on August 27, 1975, in Lusaka, Zambia. He is a graduate of the AAA School of Advertising in Randburg.
Career
Music He has been involved in numerous musical projects since becoming a recipient of the Chengelo Secondary School Music Award in 1992. He is known for writing and recording Afro Hip hop hits "Zambia Moto" and "Shibuka" featuring Alan Mvula and Kora Award nominee – Joe Chibangu respectively, as well as the song Njota featuring Hip hop artist Zubz and Zambian producer TK Siyandi. Lemba's debut solo CD, Sound Legacy, which led to a number of radio hits in his home country, was released under Ten Twenty Seven Communications, a company he co-owns with his wife.
He credits his musical sound to encouragement he received from Beats International and particularly, Norman Cook (a.k.a. Fatboy Slim) during a Rap workshop held on the group's African tour in the early nineties.
In 2011, Lemba began recording his second album titled Flowers, Needles & Drumbeats, which he released in June 2012 which featured Njota Remix which was nominated for Best Foreign Video at the Born n Bred Music Awards 2014.
Television, voice overs and radio Between 1997 and 1999 Lemba began in radio at Radio Phoenix Zambia where he worked as a Station Manager.He later joined Young & Rubicam, South Africa as a Project Manager in 2001 before moving on to become a Presenter at Primedia Broadcasting (from 2004 to 2006) on 94.7 Highveld Stereo.
His voice has been heard on many television and radio spots across Africa, notably on the Coca Cola Popstars television series, where he was the voice narrator for three seasons. His voice has also featured on inserts in FIFA's live broadcast of the 2010 FIFA World Cup round robin draw seen across the world in 2008, as well as the animated introductory video chronicling the rise of Zakumi– the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa mascot. Lemba's voice can be heard at a number of widely broadcast events including The Kora All Africa Music Awards and the Confederation of African Footballs' (CAF) 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations opening ceremony held in South Africa.
Alongside Sandy Ngema in Season 4, and Claire Mawisa in seasons 5 and 6, he co-anchored the lifestyle magazine television show Africa Within which was broadcast on SABC Africa and SABC 2.
Discography Shibuka (The Rhythm Nation Project) (2000) released by Mondo Music Corporation Sound Legacy (2006) released by Ten Twenty Seven Productions "Ccuita" (2011) – Single – released by Ten 27 Communications "Flowers, Needles & Drumbeats" (2012) – Album – released by Ten 27 Communications "Njota" – Remix Single (2012) – released by Ten 27 Communications
Awards
Voice Arts Award (2024) - Best African Voiceover (2024) hosted by The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences Voice Arts Award in the category Outstanding Commercial - Radio or Web - Best African Voiceover (2023) hosted by The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences Voice Arts Award in the category: Outstanding Commercial - TV or Streaming - Best African Voiceover (2022) hosted by The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences Best TV Promo (2022) Voice Over Award hosted by The Association of African Podcasters and Voice Artists APVA Spotlight of The Year in the Voice Over Category (2022) hosted by The Association of African Podcasters and Voice Artists Play Your Part Ambassador (Brand South Africa)
References
External links
Official website Ten 27 Communications Chilu Lemba on X Chilu Lemba on Facebook The Lusaka Radio Summit Reverb Nation