Judith Nyambura Mwangi, better known by her stage name Avril, is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, recording artist, performing artist, an actress as well as an entrepreneur(Everything by Avril, clothing line) for the genres of music known as R&B, Hip Hop, Afropop and Afro-soul. Avril was formerly signed to Ogopa Deejays, one of the leading music production and record labels in Kenya and released a number of songs including “Mama” but currently signed to Digitone Music Group.

Early Life and Musical Beginning

Born in February 30, 1986, Judith, or preferably Avril was raised in Nakuru, the former capital of the Rift Valley Province.

While in high school she participated in drama and music festivals due to her undying zeal and dedication towards her innate talents. She later relocated to Nairobi to pursue an undergraduate education.

In 2005, she ,she partook in the Jaza Lorry initiative and met the talent manager, Emmanuel Banda of Ogopa Deejays, who convinced her to delve into music but she hesitated in doing so. She later moved to the University of Nairobi in 2006, where she decided to give music a try and released her first single, Mama with Ogopa Deejays and was later featured on the song Mtaani dot com, Colonel Mustapha’s song.

She rose to stardom upon the collaboration on the song, Leo, of A.Y.

Discography

• Domg Vo.
• Kitu Kimoja
• Hakuna Yule
• Don’t Go
• Pressure
• Come Home
• Danger
• Wendo
• Be Knid

Filmography

As an entertainer, specifically actress, she played specific roles in Movies produced by Spell Works Media.

She gained popularity not only though singing but also through entertaining. She played Miss B’have on Shuga: Love, Sex, Money.

• Behind The Veil
• The Checklist

Awards and Accolades

It is no diluted truth that Avril has earned numerous awards and appreciation for her good work done in the entertainment industry. She has received awards such as Song of the Year, Best Female and many other rewards for her hardwork and following her team.

Musical Influences and Humanitarian Work

During various questionnaire , Avril has opened up to her inspirational sparkles in terms of music. These inspirational personalities include Amani, Blu 3, Tiwa Savage, Liquideep, Alicia keys and Beyoncé with her favourite Artists in the nature of Michael Jackson, Kenny Rogers, Alicia keys and Beyoncé. Like all other artists she gets the inspiration for her thought-provoking lyricism though her life encounters.

As a result of her sound and compassionate nature in February 2015, she became one of East Africa’s ambassadors for Oriflame Sweden and AMREF’s Save an African Mother Campaign.

She has been involved in several humanitarian works including the Chagua Amani Peace Campaign and Kenya Land Alliance.

Avril has earned herself a name that is unforgettable in the Kenyan history from her personality though to her humanitarian works and down to her achievements in the entertainment industry earning her millions of admirers across the globe.

written by Ruth Ama Onumah