Lavina Williams
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Lavina Williams
13 June 1979
Musical Theatre Actress
Lavina Williams | |
|---|---|
 Williams in 2017 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Miss L Lavina Williams |
| Born | Lavina Rose Williams 13 June 1979 |
| Genres | RnB Soul |
| Occupation(s) | Singer Musical Theatre Actress |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Formerly of | Ma-V-Elle |
Lavina Rose Williams (born 13 June 1979) is a New Zealand musical artist and musical theatre performer.
Williams began her career as a member of the 1990s the girl group Ma-V-Elle.[1] The group had multiple songs in the New Zealand music charts, including Never Say Goodbye, Freedom, Show Me Heaven, and Three Flow.[2]
In 2006, Williams competed in the 4th season of Australian Idol, finishing in the top 8 of the competition.[3] Her younger sister, Emily Williams, was the runner-up in the prior third season (won by Kate DeAraugo).
Williams briefly joined her younger sister's girl group, Young Divas, in 2007, which also featured DeAraugo, Lavina's season four runner-up, Jessica Mauboy; season 1's Paulini; and season 2's Ricki-Lee Coulter.[4] She has since pursued a musical theatre career, performing in The Lion King,[5] Hairspray,[6] Dreamgirls,[7] and Sister Act.[8]
As a singer, she has been the backing vocalist for many New Zealand artists including Ginny Blackmore and Stan Walker.[9] She featured in her brother J. Williams's song Stand with You, which reached 6th in the New Zealand charts.[10]
Williams has also featured in some of Mika Haka's singles, including Coffee[11] and Loved Me A Man.[12]
The group formed at James Cook High School, Manurewa in the mid 1990s. Ma-V-Elle's name comes from the first names of the three members - Marina, Lavina and Maybelle.[13] The group was originally managed by Tim Mahon.[14] Their debut album Spoken To was released in 1997, with the trio touring nationally and internationally, including two performances at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London.[15]
Member Marina Davis left in 1998 for religious reasons, with Maybelle and Lavina continuing as a duo. The group released their second album, Angel in 1999, with a heavier, drum and bass-inspired sound.[16] Both Maybelle Galuvao and Lavina Williams were nominated for the Most Promising Female Vocalist award at the 2000 New Zealand Music Awards, losing to Vanessa Kelly of Deep Obsession.[17]
Ma-V-Elle performed together for the first time in 13 years with a surprise reunion at the 2013 Pacific Music Awards.[18] The group released new single "Let's Go (To the Sky)"[19] and performed at the Parachute music festival in January 2014.[20]
Australian Idol
- Top 24: "(You Make Me Feel like) a Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin
- Top 12: "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys Bottom 2
- Top 11: "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence
- Top 10: "Don't Leave Me This Way" by Thelma Houston Bottom 3
- Top 9: "Too Much Heaven" by The Bee Gees
- Top 8: "Best of My Love" by The Emotions Eliminated
Notable performances
Williams has been a regular performer at Christmas in the Park. She performed in 2014,[21] and returned in 2015 to sing a solo of Joy to the World and perform Aotearoa with Stan Walker.[22][23] She also performed in 2016,[24] 2017,[25] 2018,[26] and 2019.[27]
She performed regularly at the Big Gay Out event at Coyle Park. She has performed in 2014,[28] 2015,[29] 2016[30] and 2017.[31]
Personal life
Williams is the older sister to J. Williams, Emily Williams and Ezra Williams.[32]
She was born in New Zealand, and is of Samoan and Fijian descent.[33]