Lavina Williams

{{Infobox musical artist

| honorific_prefix =

| name = Lavina Williams

| honorific_suffix =

| image =

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| alt =

| caption = J. and Lavina Williams singing in Auckland City

| background = solo_singer

| native_name =

| native_name_lang =

| birth_name = Lavina Rose Williams

| alias = Miss L
Lavina Williams

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1979|06|13|df=y}}

| birth_place = Auckland, New Zealand

| origin =

| death_date =

| death_place =

| genre = RnB
Soul

| occupation = Singer
Musical Theatre Actress

| instrument =

| years_active = 1996–present

| label =

| past_member_of = Ma-V-Elle

| associated_acts = Young Divas

| website =

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}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/tv/03-08-2017/throwback-thursday-turns-out-the-you-only-wanna-be-with-2-ad-is-still-an-absolute-banger/|title=Throwback Thursday: Turns out the ‘You Only Wanna Be With 2’ ad is still an absolute banger

|publisher=The Spin Off|date= 3 August 2017|accessdate=4 April 2020}} The group had multiple songs in the New Zealand music charts, including Never Say Goodbye, Freedom, Show Me Heaven, and Three Flow.{{cite web|url=https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Ma%2DV%2DElle&titel=Three+Flow&cat=s|title=MA-V-ELLE charts

|publisher=NZ Charts|date= |accessdate=4 April 2020}}

In 2006, Williams competed in the 4th season of Australian Idol, finishing in the top 8 of the competition.{{cite web|url=http://www.lattimore.id.au/2006/10/09/lavina-williams-out-of-australian-idol-2006/|title=Lavina Williams Out Of Australian Idol 2006

|publisher=Alistair Lattimore|date= 9 October 2006|accessdate=4 April 2020}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21204612-5006024,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090514100411/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21204612-5006024,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 May 2009 |title= Divas pull out of gig |publisher= Herald Sun |date=11 February 2007 |accessdate=4 April 2020}} She has since pursued a musical theatre career, performing in The Lion King,{{cite web|url=https://www.nzmusic.org.nz/education/mentor/lavina-williams/|title=About the Mentor

|publisher=New Zealand Music Commission|date= |accessdate=4 April 2020}} Hairspray,{{cite web|url=https://hail.to/katikati-college-western-bay-of-plenty/publication/Pht9SQt/article/OFLbEs2|title=PRODUCTION INFORMATION: DOMINION RD THE MUSICAL

|publisher=Theatre Review|date= |accessdate=4 April 2020}} Dreamgirls,{{cite web|url=https://www.theatreview.org.nz/reviews/production.php?id=5892|title=Lavina Willams – Vocal Coach for NZ’s X-Factor Tutors our Students!

|publisher=katikati college western bay of plenty|date= |accessdate=4 April 2020}} and Sister Act.{{cite web|url=https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2020/sister-act/palmerston-north|title=Sister Act: POSTPONED

|publisher=Eventfinda|date= |accessdate=4 April 2020}}

As a singer, she has been the backing vocalist for many New Zealand artists including Ginny Blackmore and Stan Walker.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/katikati-advertiser/20160825/281552290277724

|title=Singer shares her skills

|publisher=Katikati Advertiser|date=25 August 2016 |accessdate=4 April 2020}} She featured in her brother J. Williams's song Stand with You, which reached 6th in the New Zealand charts.{{cite web|url=https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=J.+Williams+feat.+Lavina+Williams&titel=Stand+With+You&cat=s

|title=Stand by you charts

|publisher=Charts NZ|date= |accessdate=4 April 2020}}

Williams has also featured in some of Mika Haka's singles, including Coffee{{cite web|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1405/S00079/mika-coffee.htm|title=Mika - "Coffee"

|publisher=Scoop|date= |accessdate=4 April 2020}} and Loved Me A Man.{{cite web|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1609/S00140/mika-haka-loved-me-a-man.htm|title=Mika Haka – Loved Me A Man

|publisher=Scoop|date= |accessdate=4 April 2020}}

Ma-V-Elle

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.{{cite web|title=Names -> Band Name Origins -> M|url=http://www.amiright.com/names/origins/m.shtml|publisher=Am I Right|accessdate=30 October 2013}} The group was originally managed by Tim Mahon.{{cite web|title=Blam Blam Blam Profile|url=http://www.audioculture.co.nz/people/blam-blam-blam|publisher=Audio Culture|accessdate=30 October 2013}} 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.{{cite web|title=Ma-v-elle|url=http://www.amplifier.co.nz/artist/520/?full=1|publisher=Amplifier|accessdate=30 October 2013}}

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.{{cite news|title=Pair pressure|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=100980|publisher=The New Zealand Herald |accessdate=30 October 2013|date=13 November 1999}} 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.{{cite web|title=2000 Winners |url=http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2009/10/29/2000-winners/ |publisher=NZ Music Awards |accessdate=19 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023224426/http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2009/10/29/2000-winners/ |archivedate=23 October 2013 }}

Ma-V-Elle performed together for the first time in 13 years with a surprise reunion at the 2013 Pacific Music Awards.{{cite web|title=Pasefika Proud Pacific Music Awards Winners Announced|url=http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2013/05/30/pasefika-proud-pacific-music-awards-winners-announced/|publisher=NZ Music Awards|accessdate=19 October 2013|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101223826/http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2013/05/30/pasefika-proud-pacific-music-awards-winners-announced/|archivedate=1 November 2013}} The group released new single "Let's Go (To the Sky)"{{cite web|title=Ma-v-elle|url=https://www.facebook.com/marinalavinamaybelle/posts/694978323862292|publisher=Facebook|accessdate=30 October 2013}} and performed at the Parachute music festival in January 2014.{{cite web|title=MA-V-ELLE|url=http://www.parachutefestival.com/artists/ma_v_elle/|publisher=Parachute|accessdate=30 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101143634/http://www.parachutefestival.com/artists/ma_v_elle/|archive-date=1 November 2013|url-status=dead}}

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,{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503378&objectid=11360567|title=Broods headline Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park

|publisher=The New Zealand Herald |date= 18 November 2014|accessdate=4 April 2020}} and returned in 2015 to sing a solo of Joy to the World and perform Aotearoa with Stan Walker.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/aucklander/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503372&objectid=11549876|title=Top 12 things to do in Auckland for Christmas

|publisher=The New Zealand Herald |date= 26 November 2015|accessdate=4 April 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/stage-and-theatre/74527278/christchurch-gets-in-the-festive-spirit|title=Christchurch gets in the festive spirit

|publisher=Stuff NZ|date= 29 November 2015|accessdate=4 April 2020}} She also performed in 2016,{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11764598|title=Thousands defy the rain to attend Christmas in the Park

|publisher=The New Zealand Herald |date= 10 December 2016|accessdate=4 April 2020}} 2017,{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/99243414/christchurch-gears-up-for-annual-christmas-in-the-park|title=Christchurch gears up for annual Christmas in the Park

|publisher=Stuff NZ|date= 25 November 2017|accessdate=4 April 2020}} 2018,{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/108824465/damp-night-ahead-for-christchurch-christmas-in-the-park-goers|title=Damp night ahead for Christchurch Christmas in the Park goers

|publisher=Stuff NZ|date= 23 November 2018|accessdate=4 April 2020}} and 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/118039789/christmas-in-the-park-2019-rules-banned-items-stage-times-and-lineup|title=Christmas in the Park 2019: Rules, banned items, stage times and lineup

|publisher=Stuff NZ|date= 10 December 2019|accessdate=4 April 2020}}

She performed regularly at the Big Gay Out event at Coyle Park. She has performed in 2014,{{cite web|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1402/S00067/lyc-big-gay-out-2014-celebrates-diversity-and-condom-culture.htm|title=LYC Big Gay Out 2014 celebrates diversity and condom culture

|publisher=Scoop |date= 7 February 2014|accessdate=4 April 2020}} 2015,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ1TAVCvKE0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211217/jQ1TAVCvKE0 |archive-date=2021-12-17 |url-status=live|title=Lavina Williams, Emily Williams and J.Williams RATHER BE (cover) Clean Bandits|publisher=Youtube |date= 13 February 2015|accessdate=4 April 2020}}{{cbignore}} 2016{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50UECXYdxe8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211217/50UECXYdxe8 |archive-date=2021-12-17 |url-status=live|title=Big Gay Out Auckland New Zealand 2016|publisher=Youtube |date= 5 June 2016|accessdate=4 April 2020}}{{cbignore}} and 2017.{{cite web|url=https://2017.aucklandpride.org.nz/events/ending-hiv-big-gay-out/|title=ENDING HIV BIG GAY OUT|publisher=Auckland Pride |date= |accessdate=4 April 2020}}

Personal life

Williams is the older sister to J. Williams, Emily Williams and Ezra Williams.{{cite web|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2019/05/kiwi-singer-raze-on-her-transition-from-dancer-to-soul-singer.html?fbclid=IwAR3zqi7Aaz2r18cGKJtuDnCNojpEbFkTLbZkTvSLuuId5uRBt-uvNM_SAUY|title=Kiwi singer Raze on her transition from dancer to soul singer

|publisher=Newshub |date= 22 May 2019|accessdate=4 April 2020}}{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

She was born in New Zealand, and is of Samoan and Fijian descent.{{cite web|url=https://nzmusic.org.nz/artists/rb/lavina-williams/|title=About the Artist |publisher=New Zealand Music Commission|date= 9 September 2016|accessdate=4 April 2020}}

Discography

=with Ma-V-Elle =

== Albums ==

Spoken To (1997)
Angel (1999)

== Singles ==

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
rowspan="2" width="1em" \| Year ! rowspan="2" \| Title ! width="3em" \| Peak chart positions ! rowspan="2" \| Album
NZ{{cite web\|title=MA-V-ELLE IN NEW ZEALAND CHARTS\|url=https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Ma-V-Elle\|publisher=charts.nz\|accessdate=19 October 2013}}
rowspan="3" \| 1997 \| "Show Me Heaven" \| align="center" \| 36 \| align="center" rowspan="5" \| Spoken To
"Three Flow" \| align="center" \| 43
"Depend On Me" \| align="center" \| —
rowspan="3" \| 1998 \| "Freedom" \| align="center" \| 29
"Love Is" \| align="center" rowspan="2" \| —
"Angel" \| align="center" rowspan="3" \| Angel
rowspan="2" \| 1999 \| "Never Say Goodbye" \| align="center" \| 26
"Don't Be So Shy" \| align="center" rowspan="2" \| —
2013 \| "Let's Go (To the Sky)" \| align="center" \| Non-album single
colspan="4" style="font-size:90%" align="center" \| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"

rowspan="2" width="1em" | Year

! rowspan="2" | Title

! width="3em" | Peak chart positions

! rowspan="2" | Album

NZ{{cite web|title=MA-V-ELLE IN NEW ZEALAND CHARTS|url=https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Ma-V-Elle|publisher=charts.nz|accessdate=19 October 2013}}

rowspan="3" | 1997

| "Show Me Heaven"

| align="center" | 36

| align="center" rowspan="5" | Spoken To

"Three Flow"

| align="center" | 43

"Depend On Me"

| align="center" | —

rowspan="3" | 1998

| "Freedom"

| align="center" | 29

"Love Is"

| align="center" rowspan="2" | —

"Angel"

| align="center" rowspan="3" | Angel

rowspan="2" | 1999

| "Never Say Goodbye"

| align="center" | 26

"Don't Be So Shy"

| align="center" rowspan="2" | —

2013

| "Let's Go (To the Sky)"

| align="center" | Non-album single

colspan="4" style="font-size:90%" align="center" | "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

=Featured on=

Year !Title !NZ peak chart position !Certifications (sales thresholds) !Album
class="wikitable"
2009 \|"Stand with You" (by J. Williams) \| style="text-align:center;"\|6 \|align="left"\| NZ: Gold{{cite web\|url=http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid=63\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014104613/http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid=63\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=14 October 2008\|title=Gold / Platinum Singles \|publisher=Radioscore\|date= \|accessdate=4 April 2020}} \|Young Love (and Collector's Edition)
2014 \|"Coffee" (by Mika Haka) \| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="7" \|— \|align="center" rowspan="7"\| — \| rowspan="2" \|Non-Album Single
2016 \|"Loved Me A Man" (by Mika Haka)
rowspan="5"\|2020 \|"Tahi" (by Mika Haka) \|align="center" rowspan="5"\| The Aroha Collective{{cite web\|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/7tru2p1kvN1TpQakC6uPH9\|title= Aroha Collective \|publisher=Spotify\|date= \|accessdate=20 July 2020}}
"Rima" (by Mika Haka feat. Yorke)
"Whitu" (by Mika Haka feat. Mokoera Te amo )
"Waru" (by Mika Haka)
"Iwa" (by Mika Haka feat. King Homeboy & Te amo)