After about a decade in the local gospel music industry, South African singer and songwriter Avis Ndlovu believes now is the time for her career to explode. The Swaziland-born songstress who made her mark in 2007 with the hit song ‘Kanye Nawe’ now has a DVD titled “The best of Avis”, a must-watch for anyone who appreciates local talent and contemporary gospel music.
A former Joyous Celebration member, Avis has worked with some of the best musicians in the industry, including Judith Sephuma, Keke, Thandiswa Mazwai, Malaika, Colea, and Bheki Mseleku. She has won a Glory Award for Best Female Vocalist in Swaziland and toured France and Malawi.
Avis has also made her mark on television as a presenter on One Gospel, a channel on DSTv. The 29-year old also showcases her vocal prowess doing jingles, voice-overs and singing the national anthem.
We caught up with Avis to discuss her career and challenges in the industry.
Q: Is there a particular Bible verse or piece of inspiration that serves as a pillar of your music ministry?
A: Yes, Isaiah 54v17 (No weapon formed against me will prosper). I also believe that this talent that God has given me must be used for the furtherance of the gospel.
Q: During your lengthy tenure in the industry, what have you learnt about success?
A: One just needs to be true to oneself, be genuine and worship God wholeheartedly. Matthew 6v33 says we should seek first the kingdom of God and everything else will be added to us. I know it is easier said than done but that is God’s principle.
Q: You worked with Joyous Celebration for 4 years and you are on your own now. Did that affect you in any way?
A: This is a tough industry but by God’s grace I’m still standing. I have two albums now, my debut being “Harvest” and the second being “Emnqamlezweni”. The two albums are still infiltrating the market and I believe my season to be noticed has arrived.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge you have faced in your career so far?
A: At times gigs are hard to come by and one is caught up in a limited space with regards to finances.
Q: When you think about the future, what do you perceive to be South African Music’s greatest challenge?
A: As South African artists, we need to believe in our God-given talent and exploit it fully. We should also aggressively market it abroad and not allow those from abroad to market their material locally more than we market our own.
Q: What are you currently working on?
A: I am currently doing the rounds in churches but I’m looking forward to performing at major concerts countrywide and doing my live debut recording this year.
Q: What else do you do?
A: Besides music I am currently studying Music at Central Johannesburg College.
Q: Any message for up-and-coming musicians?
A: Up-and-coming gospel artists should just be true to their calling and serve God wholeheartedly with their given talents.
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February 12th, 2010 at 7:34 am
gal kuyandivuyisa ukuva intsha yasemzantsi ilimemeza izwi lika nkulunkulu ngempela nangeqiniso ntombazana uyandibusisa xa uthi JEHOVAH! Oh ungumadida igama lakho KANYE NAWE! Mandíhambe imihla yonke kanye nawe nkosi yam what such a wordz gal YOU KNOW WHAT? GO GAL GO and never stops becouse there iz something distarbing the most ngabantu abangamazi unkulunkulu ke nina unithumile nihambise izwi lakhe siguquke sizokwazi ubona indlela yakhe ngemini zokugqibela zobomi. LUV YOU GAL AND GOD MAY BE WITH YOU IN EVERY STEP YOU TAKE.
February 19th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Sisi,
Your music is such a blessing to us all. Please hold on,press on with knowledge that GOD is not a man that He should lie,hence i quote “IF HE CARRIED THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD UPON HIS SHOULDERS,I KNOW HE WILL CARRY YOU” unquote.Sibizelwe kulento mntanami.
April 5th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
My sister thanks be unto the Lord our God for granting us you, my we pray for you & family & Psalms 20 unto your life. This song that says ”Khwezi” HALLELUJA, HALLELUJA, HALLELUJA GOD ALONE IS OUR BEAM & GLORY…!!! It makes lay postrate & worship b4 the God of our Salvation. Glory to God.
June 21st, 2010 at 10:21 am
We hear ukuthi ule tb yakulezi nsuku…..is it true diva
June 26th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Hi Dol I call your landline(011 326 0011)today unfurtunately you were in a music seminar.I was just gonna say Hi no big deal.Enjoy Gal Love U
July 13th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Hi.Avis you are such a star,i always feel being blessd when i hear your songs.am an upcoming gospel artist here in Botswana.u ve’ an angelic voice ma sis.i’l kip on praying for u & family.
July 13th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Hi.Avis you are such a star,i always feel being blessd when i hear your songs.am an upcoming gospel artist here in Botswana.u ve’ an angelic voice ma sis.i’l kip on praying for u & family.
October 24th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Hi Avis i admire u very much i love ur music..
November 4th, 2010 at 10:53 am
Hi avis you are such a star,l wish al de best .xa uthi kwelikwezi hay’bo sisi.love ur music
August 12th, 2011 at 7:23 am
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