Young Zambian leaders: Lusaka Global Shaper, Chaka Nyathando, aka Pompi
In August 2013 ten young people from Lusaka were specially selected to act as the voice of Lusaka to the international community. Global Shapers is an initiative of the World Economic Forum.
This is a the first in a series we’ve christened ’10 questions with…’ We want to get inside the minds of these ten young Zambian leaders, and share their story.
- Bejoy Nettikadan
- Chaka Nyathando
- Chisenga Muyoya
- Erasmus Mweene
- Kampamba Shula
- Kelvin Aongola
- Mazuba Kapambwe
- Mutoba Ngoma
- Nkatya Kabwe
- Tazilinda Mulenga
Meet Chaka Nyathando in less than 300 words
You will know Chaka best for his musical talents as Pompi. You may not have realised that Chaka is a Systems Developer with an Honors Degree from Monash University in South Africa, where his musical career began. After finishing university he decided to put his degree aside and follow his passion for music. That risk paid off. Pompi has certainly established himself in the industry, and his album has become one of the highest selling albums in Zambia. Now Chaka has started branching out and is investing in other industries. He is also contributing to movements and projects that will help turn Lusaka into his dream of an arts and culture capital, competing with other international cities.
10 questions with Chaka, aka Pompi
1. What five words describe you best?Creative, Adventurous, Christian, Curious and Musical
2. What entrepreneurial experience do you have so far — have you founded your own company, organisation or delivered a major project? Tell us more.My company is called Atmosphere which is an entertainment company focusing on events and providing media content. In doing Christian ministry I am also a member and founder of Lotahouse which aims to teach people about the Gospel through music.
3. What is it that drives you to achieve more?To make Africa a better place for the African, using gifts that I am very passionate about, such as music and art.
4. Are there any business leaders, or public figures you admire? If so, why?Will Smith, because he started as an actor and eventually built up his own production company, which his wife and children are actively involved in. I also love the fact that he makes productions that inspire.
5. As a young entrepreneur, where do you see yourself in 10 years time?Atmosphere Productions being on all major African media platforms and creating an industry that employs and encourages collaboration between many artists.
6. If you were given US$100,000 right now, what would you do with it?I would spend it on expanding my existing company, and buying assets around my body of work that are currently liabilities.
7. If you could change one thing about Lusaka, what would it be?Have more artistic works such as statues that honour our founding fathers, that will last and inspire future generations.
8. What is the hardest thing about being a young entrepreneur in Zambia, and how do you overcome it?The hardest thing is being heard by the older generation, and their unwillingness for change. I feel young people can overcome this challenge by putting ourselves in positions of influence, so we can make decisions to authorise new and modern solutions for Zambia’s problems.
9. What has been your biggest failure, and what did you learn from it?Chaka is a busy man and we are waiting for this answer!
10. What advice would you give to a young person who wants to become an entrepreneur, and start their own project?Make what you love your business. With the ups and downs of doing business, only the passionate can get up, after falling many times, and try it one more time. The day will come when that opportunity will find you. Just be prepared now.
Catch up with the Lusaka Global Shapers series so far
- Global Shapers Lusaka (from the World Economic Forum)
- Meet the Lusaka Global Shapers — young Zambian leaders
- This blog: 10 questions with Lusaka Global Shaper, Chaka Nyathando, aka Pompi