Celebrated voiceover artist, Chilu Lemba takes readers on a journey which saw him become a pioneering musical performance artist and broadcaster in his new memoir, Finding My Voice. Chilu tells a captivating coming-of-age-story that speaks his truth; from his formative years as a mischievous child — through reaching career heights while in his early 20s. By the time he was 10, Chilu was part of an award-winning acting ensemble in the town of Livingstone. His talent saw him receive the Chengelo Secondary School Music Award in 1992, and two years later, he wrote and co-performed one of the country’s biggest radio hits, Zambia Moto before joining the country’s first privately-owned radio station, Radio Phoenix where he became a popular presenter and later, the station manager at the age of 22.
Gain an insider’s view into what motivated this talented young man; relive his hardships, victories and notable accomplishments.
Finding My Voice will be released in 2019.
Back Cover Blurb:
“At its core, this is a simple tale of a young boy finding his voice while growing up in a country that was finding its feet.”
Finding My Voice is an engaging autobiographical account of the intriguing journey a Zambian-born young man who ventured on to become one of the most celebrated voiceover artists in Africa. Chilu Lemba’s compelling coming-of-age story offers readers an insider’s view of not only his hardships and victories but also Zambia’s during the ’80s and ’90s. His written voice is as distinctive as his verbal voice – authentic, expressive, funny and thought-provoking. It is the personal and honest reflection of a life lived as a mischievous child, an actor, a music writer and performer, a radio presenter, a radio station manager and finally, a voice.
Early Reader Impressions:
An undistilled coming-of-age story, Finding My Voice is as raw as it is sincere, a narrative that contrasts the author’s own experience as much as it offers glimpses into the changing landscape that formed him. It is an unabashed, hard-hitting, blow-by-blow account that takes the reader on a journey through the blissful naivety of youth to the sobriety of experience brought on much too soon in life.
For some, this is a nostalgic walk through the times of Zambia from the chaotic austerity of the ’80s to the heady promise of capitalism in the ’90s. For all, it is a fitting exposé of light and shade that moves the reader from scenes of hopelessness to the spirit of resolve and triumph both for the country and the young man who would rise from unforgiving circumstances to become one of Africa’s most recognisable voices.
– Max Williams
