ZAMBIAN voice-over artist based in Dubai, Chanda Miyanda is using his experience working with international stars like Rihanna to push for more recognition of the voice-over industry in Zambia.
Miyanda says work with Rihanna opened the door for other global opportunities and believes his skills of providing high-quality voice-over artistry can make Zambian productions more competitive on the international stage and help market them to a wider audience.
Miyanda’s big break came when he was working as a telephone operator. A patient at his call center, who happened to be an audio manager, noticed his voice and gave him a chance to record demos.
“I was a telephone operator at an executive medical call centre. One of the patients, who happened to be an audio manager at Twofour54, noticed my voice and gave me his business card. After a year, he called again, and we arranged to meet at the studio,” he recounted.
“I recorded several projects with him, including monster truck promos, but it was during the third project at his home studio that I found my true voice.”
One of those demos landed him the job of narrating the promotional materials for Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour in the United Arab Emirates.
This success opened doors for Miyanda, leading to him voicing promos for other big names like Bon Jovi and Dave Matthews Band.
Now, Miyanda wants to use his skills to elevate the Zambian film industry.
Miyanda, who has also done promotional work for the popular Batman franchise says the local industry can greatly benefit from voice-over artistry.
“Voice-overs can elevate the production quality of local films, making them more competitive internationally. They can also enhance promotional materials, helping to market Zambian films to a broader audience,” Miyanda highlighted.
Miyanda is advocating for training and workshops to nurture local voice-over talent and raise the industry’s standards.
“Training and workshops led by experienced voiceover artists can nurture local talent, raising the overall standard of the industry,” added Miyanda.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba May 4, 2024
