For more than two decades, the voice of Zambian-born creative Chilu Lemba has travelled far beyond the borders of his home country, becoming one of the most recognisable voices in African broadcasting, advertising and entertainment.
Born on August 27, 1975, Lemba has built an impressive career as a voice-over artist, author, musician, broadcaster and media entrepreneur.
Based in South Africa, his distinctive voice has become part of the soundscape of African television and radio, featuring in commercials, station promotions, major sporting events and corporate campaigns.
His professional journey reflects a rare combination of creativity, versatility and determination. A graduate of the AAA School of Advertising in Johannesburg, Lemba has worked with some of the continent’s leading media organisations and production companies.
His voice has been used by major brands including Nissan, BCX, SuperSport, Old Mutual and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
For about a decade, he was also the voice of Eyewitness News, heard daily on South Africa’s Talk Radio 702 and Cape Talk, further cementing his reputation as a leading broadcasting voice.
Lemba’s achievements extend well beyond commercial voice-over work. His voice has featured in major international productions and events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup build-up in South Africa.
He narrated the Coca-Cola Popstars television series and contributed to the animated introduction of Zakumi, the official mascot of the 2010 World Cup. His work has also been heard at major African music and football events, including the Kora All Africa Music Awards and the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations opening ceremony.
His television career has included co-anchoring the lifestyle programme Africa Within, broadcast on SABC Africa and SABC 2. These experiences have demonstrated his ability to move effortlessly between radio, television, advertising and live events.
In 2019, Lemba documented his professional journey in his memoir, Finding My Voice, offering insight into the experiences that shaped his career and his emergence as a leading African voice artist.
His excellence has been recognised internationally. In 2022, he won the Voice Arts Award for Outstanding Commercial, TV or Streaming, Best African Voiceover.
The same year, he won Best TV Promo at the Voice Over Awards organised by the Association of African Podcasters and Voice Artists.
He was also recognised with the APVA Spotlight of the Year Legacy Recognition Award for his contribution to the African audio industry.
In 2023, he added another Voice Arts Award, this time for Outstanding Commercial, Radio or Web, Best African Voiceover.
Music has remained another important part of Lemba’s creative identity. His involvement in music dates back to his school days, when he received the Chengelo Secondary School Music Award in 1992.
He has recorded songs including Zambia Moto, Shibuka and Njota, collaborating with artists such as Alan Mvula, Joe Chibangu and Zubz.
His albums Sound Legacy and Flowers, Needles & Drumbeats further established his place in Zambia’s music scene.
Lemba has also invested in the development of the African media industry. In 2009, he founded the Lusaka Radio Summit, creating a platform where broadcasters and media practitioners could exchange ideas and experiences.
The conference later attracted corporate sponsorship and became the Zanaco Lusaka Radio Summit.
From radio studios in Zambia to international television screens and global advertising campaigns, Chilu Lemba’s career is a powerful example of African creative talent crossing borders.
His success demonstrates that a voice rooted in Zambia can resonate across an entire continent and, indeed, around the world.
More importantly, Lemba has not simply built a career around his voice. He has used it to tell stories, promote brands, entertain audiences and create opportunities for others in the African media industry.
His journey is therefore not only a personal success story but also a testament to the growing global recognition of African creative talent.
Picture: Chilu Lemba
