From Telephone Operator to Global Voiceover Artist: The Inspiring Journey of Chanda Miyanda

Dubai,UAE - In a world where stories of resilience and discovery have the power to inspire and unite, one journey shines brightly: the story of Chanda Miyanda, a voiceover artist whose path to success is as unique as the voice that carries his message. From Zambia to Abu Dhabi, Chanda’s life is an example to the power of constancy, passion, and the opportunities that arise when we choose to listen to life’s call.

Through Voices of UAE, DXB News Network celebrates individuals like Chanda who demonstrate courage, determination, and revolution. His story is a beautiful example of how dreams can flourish even in the most unexpected places.

Born and brought up in Zambia, Chanda grew up in a family that was accessible to creativity and compassion. His father, a leader of a marching band, filled their home with music, while his mother, a horticulturist and caretaker of children, taught him the importance of nurturing others and appreciating nature.

Chanda’s earliest memories are rooted in sound and storytelling. As a child, he found joy in crafting rhymes, spellbinding his classmates with his words. He was also fascinated by the world of cartoons, not imagining himself as the main character but as the voice introducing the story—setting the stage and then quietly fading into the background. “I loved being a small but important part of the story,” he recalls.

This fascination with sound, rhythm, and storytelling laid the foundation for what would become a miraculous career. Yet, at the time, Chanda had no idea that his childhood passions were shaping his destiny.
In 2009, Chanda moved to Abu Dhabi with dreams of building a future. Initially, he sought a career in human resources, leveraging his experience as a recruitment consultant in South Africa. However, finding work in his field proved challenging, and time was running out on his visa. He took the first job that came his way—as a telephone operator at a medical center.

The position seemed far removed from his aspirations, but it turned out to be an essential chapter in his journey. Every time Chanda answered the phone with a warm “Hello,” callers would pause and ask, “Is this a recording?” Strangers frequently suggested that he explore radio or voice work, planting a seed of possibility in his mind.

At first, Chanda brushed off the compliments. “We grow up with our voices, so to me, it was just my voice,” he says. But over time, the consistent encouragement began to shift his perspective.

In 2013, Chanda’s life took an unexpected turn. An audio supervisor from Twofour54 happened to call the medical center where Chanda worked. Intrigued by his voice, the supervisor invited him to a studio for a trial recording. Nervous and unsure of himself, Chanda struggled during his first session. But the supervisor saw his potential and didn’t give up on him.

To help Chanda relax, the supervisor suggested he pretend to answer a phone call while reading a script. Unbeknownst to Chanda, the supervisor secretly recorded the session. When he played it back, Chanda heard something extraordinary - confidence, clarity, and a natural warmth he hadn’t recognized in himself before.

That recording became his first major gig: announcing Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour in 2013. It was a life-changing moment. “For the first time, I believed I could truly do this,” Chanda says. From that point on, he committed himself to mastering the art of voiceover.

Chanda credits the UAE for being the perfect backdrop to his journey. The country’s emphasis on innovation, excellence, and cultural preservation deeply influenced him. “The UAE taught me to value my own roots and heritage,” he says. Inspired by the nation’s commitment to storytelling and conservation, Chanda began exploring ways to present Zambia’s culture and natural beauty to the world.

He invested in a drone and camera gear to document Zambia’s landscapes, monuments, and traditions. His efforts earned him recognition back home, where he became known for his storytelling and cultural advocacy. This dual connection - to his homeland and his adopted home in the UAE - has enriched his perspective and fueled his creativity.

Chanda’s voiceover career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Beyond announcing for Rihanna, he has lent his voice to global campaigns, including narrations for the Mohammed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, announcements for Bon Jovi, and corporate projects for Al-Fahim Group and Masdar. He has also created movie trailer promos, corporate videos, and jingles that have become hallmarks of his work.

But Chanda’s talents extend beyond voice acting. A skilled sound designer and digital audio producer, he has seamlessly combined his love for storytelling with his technical expertise. One of his most meaningful projects was creating the introduction for the Conservation Calls podcast, which combines voiceover, sound design, and his passion for nature.

Chanda’s journey has not been without challenges. Adjusting to life in a new country, navigating a competitive industry, and dealing with self-doubt tested his resolve. “I felt like I was late to the voiceover party,” he admits. “But I realized that I didn’t have to wait for opportunities - I could create my own.”

During difficult times, Chanda turned to creativity for solace. Whether recording mock ads or narrating nature videos, he found joy in the process of creation. “When self-doubt creeps in, I create. It doesn’t matter what - it always brings me back to myself,” he says.

One of the most valuable lessons he learned was the importance of weighing personal and fiscal value. A missed opportunity to voice a children’s cartoon taught him that passion and fulfillment are just as important as financial rewards.

Through his work, Chanda aims to inspire others to discover their true calling. He believes that everyone has a unique gift, and his message is simple: “Listen to the call. Your journey starts when you answer it.”

Chanda’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not about perfection but about constancy and truthfulness. He hopes that his journey will encourage others to grasp their oneness and pursue their dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem. 

Looking ahead, Chanda plans to expand his storytelling efforts, particularly in the field of nature conservation. His passion for wildlife, inspired by encounters at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, has led him to create a platform dedicated to raising awareness about the African Manatee. He dreams of using his voice to advocate for environmental preservation and cultural heritage on a global scale. 

Chanda also anticipates inspiring the next generation of voiceover artists and creatives. Through his experiences, he hopes to show that with determination, humility, and the courage to grasp one’s uniqueness, anyone can find their voice and make an impact.

Chanda’s journey embodies the spirit of Voices of UAE by DXB News Network. His story highlights the transformative power of the UAE as a place where individuals from diverse backgrounds can bloom, innovate, and inspire. As he continues to break barriers and share his unique perspective, Chanda remains a shining example of pliancy, creativity, and the immense potential that lies within us all.

For Chanda, the UAE is more than a home—it’s a source of inspiration and opportunity. And for those who read his story, it’s a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a simple “Hello” to change your life forever.

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