Avril (singer)
| Avril | |
|---|---|
Avril in 2013
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| Born |
Judith Nyambura Mwangi 30 April 1986 Nakuru, Kenya |
| Residence | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Alma mater | University of Nairobi |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 2007–present |
| Website | theavieway |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Labels |
Unsigned (current) Ogopa Deejays (former) |
| Associated acts | |
Judith Nyambura Mwangi (born 30 April 1986), better known by her mononym Avril, is a Kenyan singer-songwriter, actress and entertainer. She was formerly signed to Ogopa Deejays, one of the leading music production and record labels in Kenya. As a singer, she is popularly known for her 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 contribution to the Kenyan Entertainment Industry has earned her one Nzumari Award, one Kisima Music Award, one Golden Mic Award and two Chaguo La Teeniez Awards.
Avril was born and raised in Nakuru, the former capital of the Rift Valley Province. She was very active in drama and music festivals whilst in high school. She 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. During her second year at UoN, she changed her mind about music and recorded her first single ("Mama") after signing a record deal with Ogopa. The song was released in 2009 and sent to radio stations across Kenya. Avril was later featured on Colonel Mustapha's "Mtaani dot com" (sometimes stylised as "mtaani.com"). The music video for "Mtaani dot com" was released and uploaded onto YouTube on 15 October 2009.
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. In November 2010, she was featured on Marya's breakthrough single "Chokoza"; the song was released to critical acclaim and received numerous radio airplay. On 31 January 2012, Avril released her single "Kitu Kimoja". The music video for the song was shot at a resort on the Kenyan coast line. In February 2013, Avril released "Hakuna Yule". The music video for the single was uploaded onto YouTube on 15 February 2013. In January 2014, Avril debunked rumours regarding her exit from Ogopa Deejays and said that the relationship she has with Ogopa 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, Avril performed at the Tusker Meru 7 after party.
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