Judith Nyambura Mwangi (born 30 April 1986), who is better known as Avril (), 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. 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). Avril's contributions to the Kenyan entertainment industry have earned her one Nzumari Award, one Kisima Music Award, one Golden Mic Award and two Chaguo La Teeniez Awards.
Life and career
Early life and music career Avril was born and raised in Nakuru, the former capital of the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. She was very active in drama and music festivals while in high school. Avril later relocated to Nairobi to pursue an undergraduate education. 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 was sent to radio stations across Kenya. Avril was later featured on Colonel Mustapha's "Mtaani dot com" (sometimes stylized as "mtaani.com"). The song's music video was released and uploaded to YouTube on 15 October 2009.
Avril started gaining prominence after being featured on the remix of A.Y's 2010 single "Leo". Her collaborative single with Sudanese singer Lam, titled "Changes", was released in Sudan. In November 2010, she was featured on Marya's breakthrough single "Chokoza", which received numerous radio airplay. On 31 January 2012, Avril released the single "Kitu Kimoja"; its music video was filmed at a resort on the Kenyan coast line. In February 2013, Avril released the single "Hakuna Yule". 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. In March 2014, Avril was featured on the chorus of Boomba Boyz's 2014 single "Piga Kengele". In July 2014, she performed at the Tusker Meru 7 After Party.
Acting career
2011–12: Shuga: Love, Sex, Money Avril 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. She also played Belinda, a minor character. She was offered the roles after auditioning for the producers of the show. In a 2012 interview with Capital Lifestyle, Avril said playing both characters was therapeutic and that starring in the series was an emotional rollercoaster due to the feelings she developed for her co-star Nick Mutuma. Moreover, she said starring in the series reminded her about the dangers of HIV/AIDS.
2013–2023: Noose of Gold (season 5) In February 2013, Avril joined the cast of M-Net's Noose of Gold as Corrine. Avril has starred in several Kenyan television shows, including Skandals Kibao, Sumu la Penzi, Pepeta (2022) and Faithless (2023).
Musical influences and humanitarian work Avril 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. Avril has been involved in several humanitarian campaigns, including the Chagua Amani Peace Campaign and Kenya Land Alliance. In February 2015, she became one of East Africa's ambassadors for Oriflame Sweden and AMREF's Save an African Mother Campaign.
Discography Studio albums Spirit (2022) Be Kind (EP) (2022)
Singles YearTitleAlbumRef2009"Mama"rowspan="11" "Mtaani dot com" (Colonel Mustapha featuring Avril)2010"Leo" (Remix) (AY featuring Avril) "Chokoza" (Marya featuring Avril) 2012"Kitu Kimoja"2013"Hakuna Yule"2014"Piga Kengele" (Boomba Boyz featuring Avril) "Nikimuona"2015"Hello Baby"(Avril featuring Ommy Dimpoz)"Ninaweza"(Avril featuring Rabbit-Kaka Sungura)"No Stress" (Avril featuring AY)
Filmography
Films FilmsYear Title Role NotesRefBehind the VeilThe ChecklistProduced by SpielWorks Media2017World TofautiNinaProduced by Kang'ethe Mungai
Television TelevisionYear Title Role NotesRef2012MaliAtiahRecurring role 2013Shuga Miss B'Have/BelindaMain cast (season 2)2013–presentSumu la PenziEvaMain cast2014Noose of Gold CorrineRecurring cast (season 5)2015–16Skandals KibaoKarenSupporting actress2017 Varshita ScarletGuest role2017 Auntie Boss! Guest role 2022 PepetaNdutaSupporting actress2023FaithlessDeborahLead role
Awards and nominations YearEventCategory RecipientResultRef2010Channel O Music Video AwardsMost Gifted East Video"Mama"Museke Online Africa Music AwardsBest African Collaboration"Leo" (Remix)(AY featuring Avril) Nzumari AwardsBest Female ArtisteHerself2011Chaguo La Teeniez AwardsBest Female Artiste Golden Mic AwardsMost Promising Artiste Teen Choice AwardsBest Female ArtistPearl of Africa Music AwardsNzumari AwardsBest Female Artiste2012Kisima Music AwardsBest Boomba ArtistChaguo La Teeniez AwardsBest Female Artiste 2015Pulse Music Video AwardsBest Female Artist of the Year2016Kora AwardsBest Female Artist – East Africa2018Mdundo Awards Most Downloaded Afropop
References
External links
Avril at SoundCloud