Meet Avril

Judith Nyambura Mwangi, popularly known as Avril, was born and raised in Shabaab Area, Nakuru Town.

“Shabaab is dominated by industries and garages. I’d liken it to Eastlands of Nairobi, with few mansions here and there,” said a native of Nakuru.

Amazing how glamorous life has turned out to be for Avril, huh?

Her journey into performing arts began at Lion’s Primary School, Nakuru. Here, she was an active Drama Club member. She sang, role-played and MCee-d at events. Over time, her confidence before large crowds flourished. Avril also had staunch support from her parents which kept her going when times got hard. In most cases, fame gained at such an age heralds pride and a gradual concentration–shift from education to amusement of fame. According to Avril, none of it felt enough of a big deal to make her pompous. Away from stage, she was and still is the reserved, quiet type.

“When I look back at how I started out, it feels as though being on stage had already been planned for me. It felt so normal, it’s like I wasn’t even before a crowd,” she squeaked.

The Mwangis then moved to Saint Mary’s Area, Nakuru, where they have lived ever since. She was 13 years old at the time.

“I get really caught up with work but I try to be home every two to three months. My parents live the modern way so they do not keep cows that I can milk once in a while so when I’m home I just sleep. Rest,” she said.

Moving to Uganda.

“The change was good. I needed it.”

When she joined secondary school, her parents asked her to set aside performing arts. They felt it was time she concentrated on her studies. Moreover, Moi Forces Academy in Lanet was a Catholic school. The curriculum was strictly all work no play which made Judith a dull one. Uganda meant distance from the parents and thus freedom to explore her dreams. Also, she had always wanted to join Makerere University in Uganda.

“I was made president of so many clubs. At some point I was even a head girl,” she said and chortled with delight, explaining how much the country loved her. All these experiences contributed to her flamboyant personality.

Career shaped.

She made her first debut in 2006. Till now she has done Kitu Kimoja, Mama, Chokoza (featuring Marya) and Najivunia (featuring Trapee). She has also won several awards which include Chaguo La Teeniez Best Female Artiste (2011 and 2012), Nzumari Best Female Artiste 2011 Award, Kisima Award and Boomba Artiste of the Year 2012. In 2010, she was nominated for the Channel O Music Video Awards. In that category, she was competing against Nameless, Wyre, Shaa Khan (Tanzania) and Obita (South Africa). She did not win but felt entirely proud of the nomination.

“Being nominated alongside big shots in the industry is already a win,” she professed.

Notice, it took about five years for Avril to secure a place in the music industry. If we could veer the limelight to Camp Mulla for a moment, though separated now, they are much younger but their reign over the music industry, unlike Avril, was instant. Well, she attributes this to two things: Revolution of technology and Merging of entrepreneurship with music. These privileges were amiss during Avril’s generation of artistes.

“All the same, I was never really serious about my music career till 2010. However, I am ecstatic about Camp Mulla and the likes, because their work shows that the industry is growing.”

An article published on a tabloid likened Avril’s music and character to Rihanna.

“My style…yes…may be a bit of Rihanna but Beyoncé gets a full pass. Beyoncé is powerful, in control, strong, independent but humble, affectionate and motherly as well. As for Rihanna, I find her needy and lonely. Being someone who needs love is not a good thing especially for a woman,” she said.

Matters of the heart.

“Love is care, honesty, trust, security. I can only settle for a man who gives 100% of these. Marrying a man with an incompatible chart is acceptable for me only if there are things to learn from each other and talk about as well,” she said.

During this interview, rumor had it that she was romantically involved with comedian Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o. I had also watched them having a drink in a lounge along Monrovia Street where they appeared quite cosy with each other and left holding hands. Very sneaky of me, I know but hey… territorial hazard honey! Upon inquiry, she wasn’t upfront about their relationship but the shy smile and evasive eye contact she had, spoke silently.

“Uumh… (Giggles) he is hardworking, very talented, protective…gives 80 percent,” she declared.

Other shades of Avril.

“Avril is intelligent, big hearted, funny and caring,” said Wallace Ngige, a production manager, D. j and Presenter at 87.6 radio of Kigali, Rwanda.

“Interestingly, you do not even have to be closely acquainted to realize that Avril is down to earth, charismatic and very supportive and never looks down upon anyone,” Arnold Muthama, a fan, commented.

Away from singing, she adores cooking. Coriander is a die-hard ingredient in most of her dishes.

“I am Kikuyu, you know,” she taunted. She also likes to design clothes and loves colours. She dislikes yellow though. In her point of view, it is an unhealthy colour.

“It is so mafuta-ish (Like oil).”

Her basic principle in life is the Law of Attraction.

“Positive attracts Positive. This is why I like optimists and people who add value to my life. I usually monitor posts on my social media accounts and block the pessimists and abusive followers.” She also believes in the superiority of family and respect for one’s home. This is why no one enters her home except her very close friends and family. Other principles she lives by are highly influenced by her icons Oprah Winfrey, Tyra Banks, Chris Kirubi and Richard Branson. Altogether, they inspire her to help the youth and teach her how to blend business and fun.

Explains the presence of Richard Branson’s Losing My Virginity on the table, I thought.

Her advice to other celebrities is to learn how to distinguish true love from vague love, from their fans.

“Some people are out to just smash us to nothingness. When I was fresh in the industry, insults or condescending comments from my audience made me cry. The sex scandal, however, turned out to be my blessing in disguise. It made me strong…so strong. Any fellow public figure barbed in such scandals should simply keep positive company and keep their head up. They should also refuse to hurdle up in a corner complaining about life, pitying themselves. Learn and move on.”

The future.

In five years, she aspires to have done collaborations with the likes of Beyoncé. She also intends to venture into other genres of music. She hopes to open an art school and develop it to a spectacular level. She is also working on something to flip the state of fashion in Nakuru County. Charity does begin at home after all!