Denise Chaila (Season 3 Finale)
Photo by Shane Serrano
Ah, and we arrive at the finale of season 3. I finalized the edit for this episode while staying at a hotel in Toronto and it’s funny, there’s something about these rooms that force you to be reflective on life. I think it’s fair to say that 2021 has been difficult for many of us, arguably even more difficult than 2020. People often speak about how this pandemic has changed us as people, but I don’t think enough has been said about the dramatic shifts that have also happened within our external lives. I know for me, my life going into 2022 looks drastically different than it did two years ago and learning to reconcile with that….has been tough.
But, in quite an unexpected way, this podcast series has been a lifeline for me. It’s because of these talks that I was able to remember the power of being connected to people, especially during those moments where I felt lost and alone. I don’t mind saying it; there is so much hard work that goes into each of these episodes, which in turn makes me very proud of this series. Along with that pride, I feel immense gratitude that I get to talk to so many people from different walks of life and I truly hope that as this series goes on you feel more connected to people like I do.
Today’s finale is an episode that’s been in the making for close to a year now and it brings me so much joy to finally share it with you. Denise Chaila is a Zambian-Irish rapper who’s swiftly become one of the bravest people that I know. She doesn’t make music because she wants to, she does it because she needs to; it’s simply do or die for Denise. I’m wildly aware that that might seem like hyperbole, but trust me when I say you’ll quickly know what I mean once you hear the episode. Throughout her music, Denise explores the empowerment that comes from embracing that you’re an outsider and how that can help you to build a community with other marginalized people. This tenacity lead her to winning the RTÉ Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year in 2020 (for her debut mixtape Go Bravely). Together, we chat about how Denise found herself making music, the importance of developing intention in everything that you do, and most importantly; we explore why “she’s not your queen, she’s your pharaoh.”
Thank you for listening to this season, it truly means the world to me. Season 4 of the podcast should be arriving March 2022, be sure to follow me on Instagram and Twitter for updates.
After you hear the episode, be sure to check out Denise’s track Anseo on the official New Exchange Playlist. Also, follow Denise Chaila on Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
