Judith Nyambura Mwangi (born 30 April 1986),[1][2] who is better known as Avril (/ˌævrɪl/), is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. She was formerly signed to Ogopa Deejays, one of the leading music production and record labels in Kenya.[3] As a singer, she is known for the singles "Mama", "Kitu Kimoja", "Chokoza" and "Hakuna Yule". As an actress, she is best known for playing Miss B'Have on Shuga: Love, Sex, Money (2012).[4] Avril's contributions to the Kenyan entertainment industry have earned her one Nzumari Award, one Kisima Music Award,[5] one Golden Mic Award[6] and two Chaguo La Teeniez Awards.
Avril | |
|---|---|
 Avril using a product from her own personal care line My Everything by Avril | |
| Born | Judith Nyambura Mwangi 30 April 1986[1][2] Nakuru, Kenya |
| Alma mater | University of Nairobi |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Children | 1 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Labels | Digitone Music Group (current) Ogopa Deejays (former) |
| Website | www.instagram.com/theavieway |
Life and career
editBiography and music career
editAvril was born and raised in Nakuru, the former capital of the Rift Valley Province.[7] She was very active in drama and music festivals while in high school. Avril later relocated to Nairobi to pursue an undergraduate education.[1] In 2005, she partook in the Jaza Lorry initiative and met talent manager Emmanuel Banda of Ogopa Deejays Production. Although Banda tried convincing her to venture into music, Avril remained hesitant at the time. She enrolled at the University of Nairobi in 2006 and studied design. She changed her mind about music during her second year at UoN, and recorded her debut single "Mama" after signing a record deal with Ogopa Deejays. The song was released in 2009 and sent to radio stations across Kenya.[1] Avril was later featured on Colonel Mustapha's "Mtaani dot com" (sometimes stylized as "mtaani.com"). The music video for "Mtaani dot com" was released and uploaded to YouTube on 15 October 2009.[8]
Avril began to gain prominence following her collaboration with A.Y on his 2010 single "Leo" (Remix). Her collaborative single with Sudanese singer Lam, titled "Changes", was released in Sudan.[1] In November 2010, she was featured on Marya's breakthrough single "Chokoza", which was released to critical acclaim and received numerous radio airplay. On 31 January 2012, Avril released the single "Kitu Kimoja". The music video for the song was shot at a resort on the Kenyan coast line.[9] In February 2013, Avril released "Hakuna Yule", and in January 2014, she debunked rumors regarding her exit from Ogopa Deejays and said the relationship she has with the label's executives was built on understanding.[10] In March 2014, Avril was featured on the chorus of Boomba Boyz's 2014 single "Piga Kengele".[11] In July 2014, she performed at the Tusker Meru 7 After Party.[12]
Acting career
edit2011–12: Shuga: Love, Sex, Money
editAvril made her acting debut in the second season of the television series Shuga. She played the character Miss B'Have, a celebrity singer who is a firm believer in monogamous relationships.[4] She also played Belinda, a minor character. She was offered the roles after auditioning for the producers of the show.[1] In a 2012 interview with Capital Lifestyle, Avril said playing both characters was therapeutic and that starring in the series was an emotional rollercoaster. She also said starring in the series reminded her about the dangers of HIV/AIDS.[2]
2013–2023: Noose of Gold (season 5)
editIn February 2013, Avril joined the cast of M-Net's Noose of Gold. She played the role of Corrine.[13][14] Avril has starred in several Kenyan television shows, including Skandals Kibao, Sumu la Penzi, Pepeta (2022) and Faithless (2023).[15][16]
Musical influences and humanitarian work
editAvril has cited Amani, Blu 3, Tiwa Savage, Liquideep, Alicia Keys and Beyoncé as musicians who inspired her. She also cited Michael Jackson, Kenny Rogers, Alicia keys and Beyoncé as her favourite artists. Her inspiration to write and record music stems from her life experiences.[1][17] Avril has been involved in several humanitarian campaigns, including the Chagua Amani Peace Campaign and Kenya Land Alliance.[18] In February 2015, she became one of East Africa's ambassadors for Oriflame Sweden[19][20] and AMREF's Save an African Mother Campaign.[21] She has also lent her voice to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in championing reproductive health for young girls.
Discography
editStudio albums
- Spirit (2022)
- Be Kind (EP) (2022)
Singles
| Year | Title | Album | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | "Mama" | Non-album single | |
| "Mtaani dot com" (Colonel Mustapha featuring Avril) | [22] | ||
| 2010 | "Leo" (Remix) (AY featuring Avril) | [23] | |
| "Chokoza" (Marya featuring Avril) | [22] | ||
| 2012 | "Kitu Kimoja" | [24] | |
| 2013 | "Hakuna Yule" | [25] | |
| 2014 | "Piga Kengele" (Boomba Boyz featuring Avril) | [26] | |
| "Nikimuona" | [27] | ||
| 2015 | "Hello Baby"(Avril featuring Ommy Dimpoz) | [28] | |
| "Ninaweza"(Avril featuring Rabbit-Kaka Sungura) | [29] | ||
| "No Stress" (Avril featuring AY) | [30] |
Filmography
editFilms
edit| Films | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref |
| TBA | Behind the Veil | TBA | Produced by SpielWorks Media | TBA |
| The Checklist | ||||
Television
edit| Television | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref |
| 2012 | Mali | Atiah | Recurring role | [31] |
| 2013 | Shuga | Miss B'Have/Belinda | Main cast
(season 2) |
[2] |
| 2013–present | Sumu la Penzi | Eva | Main cast | [32] |
| 2014 | Noose of Gold | Corrine | Recurring cast (season 5) | [33] |
| 2015–16 | Skandals Kibao | Karen | Supporting actress | [34] |
| 2017 | Varshita | Scarlet | Guest role | |
| 2017 | Auntie Boss! | Guest role | ||
| 2022 | Pepeta | Nduta | Supporting actress | |
| 2023 | Faithless | Deborah | Lead role | |
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Event | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Channel O Music Video Awards | Most Gifted East Video | "Mama" | Nominated | [35] |
| Museke Online Africa Music Awards | Best African Collaboration | "Leo" (Remix) (AY featuring Avril) |
Nominated | [36] | |
| Nzumari Awards | Best Female Artiste | Herself | Won | [37] | |
| 2011 | Chaguo La Teeniez Awards | Best Female Artiste | Won | ||
| Golden Mic Awards | Most Promising Artiste | Won | |||
| Teen Choice Awards | Best Female Artist | Won | [1] | ||
| Pearl of Africa Music Awards | Nominated | ||||
| Nzumari Awards | Best Female Artiste | Nominated | |||
| 2012 | Kisima Music Awards | Best Boomba Artist | Won | [38] | |
| Chaguo La Teeniez Awards | Best Female Artiste | Won | [37] | ||
| 2015 | Pulse Music Video Awards | Best Female Artist of the Year | Won | [39] | |
| 2016 | Kora Awards | Best Female Artist – East Africa | — | [40] | |
| 2018 | Mdundo Awards | Most Downloaded Afropop | Nominated | [41] |
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h Irura, Eddie (28 October 2012). "Avril – Up Close". filmkenya.co.ke. Film Kenya. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
- ^ a b c d Walubengo, Laura (6 February 2012). "Avril talks Love, Sex and Money". Lifestyle Magazine. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
- ^ Jay, Mwangi (14 April 2012). "Judith Nyambura-Avril". Kenya Celebrities. Archived from the original on 27 November 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
- ^ a b "Shuga: Love, Sex, Money -Season 2 – Avril". mtvbase.com. MTV Base. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
- ^ "10th Kisima Music Awards 2012 Winners". Kisima Music Awards. Archived from the original on 10 August 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
- ^ "List of nomineess of Nzumari Awards". Cityville Mombasa. Archived from the original on 1 February 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
- ^ "I am not a lesbian, says Avril". Daily Nation. 25 April 2014. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
- ^ "Colonel Mustapha feat Avril – Mtaani dot Com". Get Mziki. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
- ^ Oyugi, Kevin (1 February 2012). "AVRIL'S BRAND NEW 'KITU KIMOJA'". GHAFLA!. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
- ^ Muchiri, John (24 January 2014). "Avril: I am not about to leave Ogopa". Daily Nation. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
- ^ "'Piga Kengele' by Boomba Boyz feat Avril". Daily Nation. 23 March 2014. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
- ^ "Hakuna Yule Singer, Avril's Electrifying Performance at the Meru 7s". newsKenya.co.ke. 7 July 2014. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
- ^ "Avril Plays a Drug Trafficker in "Noose of Gold"". Niaje. 5 April 2013. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
- ^ Walubengo, Laura (8 February 2013). "Avril joins cast of Noose of Gold". Africa Magic. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
- ^ Pepeta (TV Mini Series 2022–2023), retrieved 11 July 2023
- ^ Whittock, Max Goldbart,Jesse; Goldbart, Max; Whittock, Jesse (6 June 2023). "'Faithless': Showmax Greenlights Kenyan Thriller About A Heist Gone Bad". Deadline. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Meet Avril, Kenya recording artist". Kenyanizer. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
- ^ "Chagua Amani Peace Campaign Launched". Kenya Red Cross. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- ^ "Avril: Up look-Coke Studio Africa". Coke Studio Africa. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
- ^ Gichuru, Olive. "Avril appointed Kenya's Oriflame brand ambassador". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
- ^ Oduor, Martin (23 February 2015). "Avril Inks A Deal With AMREF". Ghafla. Archived from the original on 9 January 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
- ^ a b "Artist Marya Unplugged". kenyanmagazines .com. Archived from the original on 10 July 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
- ^ "Leo remix". YouTube. Archived from the original on 15 February 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
- ^ Ogopa Deejays. "Kitu Kimoja". YouTube. Archived from the original on 15 February 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
- ^ Avril Nyambura. "Hakuna yule lyrics". metrolyrics.com. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "'Piga Kengele' by Boomba Boyz feat Avril". nation.co.ke. 23 March 2014. Archived from the original on 27 November 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
- ^ "Nikimwona". mpasho.com. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
- ^ Avril (19 January 2015). "Hello Baby". YouTube. Archived from the original on 15 February 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
- ^ "Photos from Avrils photo-shoot for Ninaweza". Niaje. Archived from the original on 7 April 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
- ^ "SINGER AVRIL: I HAVE NO MORE STRESS". Standard Media. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
- ^ "New TV drama promises to be the game changer". Daily Nation. 24 September 2011. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
- ^ "SUMU LA PENZI". Spielworks Media. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
- ^ Kerongo, Grace (8 February 2013). "Kenya: Avril Bags Villain Role in M-Net Series". allAfrica.com. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
- ^ "Avril's not moving to gospel". biggestkaka.co.ke. 18 August 2015. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
- ^ "Channel O Music Video Awards 2010 Nominees Announced! Find Out Who Made The Cut". Bellanaija. 20 August 2010. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- ^ "2010 MOAMAs Award Nominees". MOAMAs. 6 March 2010. Archived from the original on 16 August 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- ^ a b "Avril Achievements". Ogopa Deejays. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
- ^ Wagwau, Adam (3 November 2012). "Full Winners' List: Kisima Awards 2012". GHAFLA!. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- ^ Kipng'enoh, Wesley (12 December 2015). "Here are the winners of the first Pulse Music Video Awards". SDE. Archived from the original on 15 December 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
- ^ "KORA Awards 2016: full list of nominations". My TV News. Archived from the original on 31 January 2016. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
- ^ "ONGEA! To Host Mdundo Awards 2018 – Here Is The Full List Of Nominees". Kenyan Music.co.ke. 5 February 2018. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 28 March 2019.