Chmba Ellen Chilemba ’17 is a talented artist, activist and founder of Tiwale, a community center in Malawi that supports women and gender minorities through art and educational opportunities.
As an artist, her signature sound is Afro-electronic, indie and house alternative sounds amid time-traveling synths, fiery strings and African percussive rhythms. DJ Chmba has rocked impressive stages, including the World Economic Forum in Davos, BBC Radio 6 Music and Tumbler Select Playlist and played opening sets for Grammy-winning artists, such as Angelique Kidjo, Nile Rodgers, Metro Boomin and Laura Mvula. She also played Madonna’s A-list celebrity parties, including the Oscars’ The Party in Beverly Hills, California.
In 2017, Chilemba was named as the Glamour Magazine College Women of the Year’s grand prize winner for her work in founding Tiwale. Her accolades include Forbes’ Africa 30 Under 30, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Goalkeeper and Global Citizen Youth Advocate.
Class year: 2017
Major: economics