Audius Mtawarira

Last updated

Audius Mtawarira
Birth nameAudius Tonderai Mtawarira
Also known asAudius
Born1977 (age 44–45)
Chimbumu, Guruve, Zimbabwe
Origin Perth, Western Australia
Genres Urban Grooves
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, record producer
InstrumentsVocals
Website www.audiusonline.com

Audius Tonderai Mtawarira (born in Chimbumu, Guruve, Zimbabwe, 1977) is a Zimbabwean singer-songwriter and record producer, who often works mononymously as Audius. From 1996 to 2012 he lived in Australia. At the APRA Music Awards of 2009 he was co-winner of Urban Work of the Year for writing "Running Back" with its singer, Jessica Mauboy, and with American rapper, Sean Ray Mullins (a.k.a. Snob Scrilla).

Contents

Early life

Audius Tonderai Mtawarira was born in 1977 in Chimbumu, Guruve District, Zimbabwe, [1] [2] [3] His father, Augustine Mtawarira, who died in 2012, was a farmer and property manager. [4] [5]

Mtawarira attended Ruzawi School, a private Anglican boarding primary school in Marondera, [6] where he was amongst the first Native African students to be enrolled. Audius then attended Peterhouse Boys' School, Marondera, [6] a private boarding secondary school where he sang in the School Choir, played piano and drums. He participated in Cricket, Rugby and Athletics, representing his school and district in each sport. He completed his secondary education at Gateway High School in Harare, [6] where he performed in the school choir and participated in the music programs. He also represented his school as captain in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. In 1996 Audius left Zimbabwe to further his studies in Perth, Western Australia at Edith Cowan University. He later moved to Curtin University to complete his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic Design.

Career

Audius turned his attention to writing and producing music. He started producing in 2002, producing the majority of Selwyn's album, Meant to Be which peaked at number nine on the ARIA Album charts [7] and was certified Gold. [8] In 2003 he collaborated with Delta Goodrem on Innocent Eyes co-writing [9] [10] and producing the number one single [11] "Born to Try". The song debuted at number three before reaching number one on the Australian Singles chart, becoming Goodrem's first number one single. It spent three months in the top five and went on to sell over 210,000 copies, making it the third highest selling single of 2002. In the UK, it debuted and peaked the charts at number three, spending eleven weeks in the top forty and reached number one on the New Zealand singles charts. "Born to Try" won 'Single of the Year' at the ARIA Music Awards of 2003. [12]

In 2004, Audius produced Australian Idol contestant Paulini's debut album One Determined Heart which produced number a # 1 hit "Angel Eyes" and went certified Platinum. [13] In 2005 he co-wrote fellow-Idol Contestant Ricki-Lee Coulter's "Hell No!", which reached number five on the ARIA singles charts, [14] and produced majority of her album.

After having some great success, Audius turned his attention to building his own studios and record label. He is a part owner of The Sound Academy studios in Sydney as well as record label Blindfaith Entertainment. He worked to develop many unsigned artists through his academy sharing knowledge and kickstarting several youngsters who went on to achieve great success such as Iggy Azalea, Justice Crew, Anise K and more.

In 2008 Audius produced Jessica Mauboy's new album, Been Waiting , co-writing her single, "Running Back", [15] which peaked at number three on the Australian singles charts. [16] 2008 also saw Audius launch his own fashion label, Shona Clothing, which is heavily influenced by his Zimbabwean heritage. "Running Back" won 'Highest Selling Single' at the ARIA Music Awards of 2009. [17]

In 2013 Audius worked as a music producer on the movie musical 'Goddess', Goddess (2013 film) an Australian production featuring Laura Michelle Kelly, Ronan Keating and directed by Mark Lamprel.

In 2019 Audius co-wrote, produced and mixed 'To Myself' performed by Alfie Arcuri for the Eurovision 'Australia Decides' competition. With over 700 entries the song was selected to be amongst the top 10 finalists and to compete on a live broadcast on SBS. Overall the song placed 5th.

Solo career

His solo recordings have garnered him popularity in his native Zimbabwe and South Africa. He has released 6 albums in Africa - Audius (2002), Ever After (2003), Music and Me (2005) and Day Like This (2008). He released 'Day Like This' was also released in Australia through Blindfaith/Inertia. In 2003, Audius won the Best Urban Grooves (Male) at the Zimbabwe Music Awards. In 2014 Audius won the "Best R&B Urban Album" award for his 2014 release "House of Stones". In October 2016, his album PREDESTINATION was released. In 2020, album titled "2020" (twenty twenty) was released.

Discography

Solo artist


Production discography

Songwriting discography

Related Research Articles

<i>Australian Idol</i> Australian singing competition TV series

Australian Idol is an Australian singing competition, which began its first season in July 2003 and ended its initial run in November 2009. As part of the Idol franchise, Australian Idol originated from the reality program Pop Idol, which was created by British entertainment executive Simon Fuller. Australian Idol was televised on Network Ten for all seven series and was broadcast on the Southern Cross Austereo Radio Network between 2005 and 2007. The highly successful series will return in 2022 after Seven Network announced they will be picking up the show.

<i>Innocent Eyes</i> (2003 Delta Goodrem album) 2003 studio album by Delta Goodrem

Innocent Eyes is the debut studio album by Australian singer Delta Goodrem, released in Australia on 24 March 2003. It was later released in the United Kingdom on 30 June 2003. Goodrem co-wrote most of the material, excluding "Throw It Away", "Lost Without You" and "Butterfly". The album features two self-penned songs, "In My Own Time" and "Will You Fall for Me". Goodrem worked with writers and producers such as: Audius Mtawarira, Bridget Benenate, Cathy Dennis, Eliot Kennedy, Gary Barlow, Jarrad Rogers, Kara DioGuardi, Vince Pizzinga and others to create the album with a collection of piano-based pop and ballad tracks.

Israel Cruz Musical artist

Israel Cruz is an Australian singer-songwriter and record producer. Cruz was born in Quezon City, Philippines and at the age of 3 moved to Melbourne, Australia with his family. He lives in Sydney, Australia with friends and has written and performed with Australian singer Stan Walker.

Born to Try 2002 single by Delta Goodrem

"Born to Try" is a song by Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem, written by Goodrem and Audius Mtawarira and produced by Ric Wake for Goodrem's debut studio album, Innocent Eyes (2003). The song was released as the first single off the studio album on 11 November 2002 by Epic Records. It was later featured on her first Japanese compilation album Innocent Eyes (2006). The song was co-written by her while she was staying at her home in Sydney, Australia for the production of the studio album, as well as written and producing four other songs together. Though many of the public consider this as Goodrem's breakthrough single, it is not her debut single.

Rough Day

"Rough Day" is a song by Australian recording artist Paulini, taken from her second studio album, Superwoman (2006). It was written by Bridget Benenate, Matthew Gerrard and Franne Golde, while the production was handled by Audius Mtawarira. "Rough Day" was released physically on 22 January 2006, as the lead single from the album. The song peaked at number 26 on the ARIA Singles Chart and number three on the ARIA Dance Chart. The retro style-themed music video was directed by Jonathan and Josh Baker.

Young Divas was an Australian pop girl group formed in 2006 by Sony BMG Australia, initially for a one-off single and national tour to promote all members as solo artists. The original line-up consisted of former Australian Idol contestants, including season one finalist Paulini, season two finalist Ricki-Lee Coulter, season three winner Kate DeAraugo and season three runner-up Emily Williams. Young Divas released a cover version of Donna Summer's "This Time I Know It's for Real" to attract attention for the tour. The song peaked at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).

Jessica Mauboy Australian singer (born 1989)

Jessica Hilda Mauboy is an Australian singer, songwriter and actress. Born and raised in Darwin, Northern Territory, she rose to fame in 2006 on the fourth season of Australian Idol, where she was runner-up and subsequently signed a recording contract with Sony Music Australia. After releasing a live album of her Idol performances and briefly being a member of the girl group Young Divas in 2007, Mauboy released her debut studio album, Been Waiting, the following year. It included her first number-one single, "Burn", and became the second highest-selling Australian album of 2009, certified double platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).

Australian Idol was a televised talent contest, screened on Channel Ten for seven seasons between 2003 and 2009. Several contestants were signed to record labels, while others released their music independently. Since 2003 Australian Idol acts have placed well on the Australian music charts, with 35 number ones and 158 platinum and 41 gold certifications. Eight Idol releases appeared in the 2000 – 2009 ARIA End of Decade Charts, and 24 releases have been nominated for Highest Selling ARIA Music Awards. Idol contestants have also been nominated for 33 ARIA Awards in public vote categories, where the nominees are most commonly selected from the highest selling acts of the year. There have also been 48 industry judged ARIA Award nominations. To date there have been 11 wins in sales and public vote categories, and in 2013 season one winner Guy Sebastian and season four runner up Jessica Mauboy became the first Idol contestants to win industry voted ARIA Awards.

<i>Meant to Be</i> (Selwyn album) 2002 studio album by Selwyn

Meant to Be is the 2002 debut studio album from Australian R&B singer Selwyn. It was released in Australia, the United States, and South Africa. The album spawned three top 20 singles on the ARIA charts, those being "Buggin' Me", "Rich Girl", and "Way Love's Supposed to Be". The album peaked at #9 on the ARIA Albums Chart.

Running Back (Jessica Mauboy song) 2008 single by Jessica Mauboy

"Running Back" is the debut single of Australian R&B recording artist Jessica Mauboy, featuring American rapper Flo Rida. The track was written by Mauboy, Audius Mtawarira, and Sean Ray Mullins, and was produced by Audius. "Running Back" was released for digital download on 19 September 2008 as the lead single from Mauboy's debut studio album, Been Waiting. Mauboy felt "so excited and honoured" to work with Flo Rida, calling it a dream come true.

<i>Been Waiting</i> 2008 studio album by Jessica Mauboy

Been Waiting is the debut studio album by Australian recording artist Jessica Mauboy, released on 22 November 2008 by Sony Music Australia. While Mauboy was still a member of the girl group Young Divas, she began to work on what became Been Waiting. She co-wrote several of the album's songs and worked with many songwriters and producers, including Israel Cruz, Cutfather, Audius Mtawarira, Michael "Fingaz" Mugisha, Kwame Holland, Jonas Jeberg and Adam Reily, among others.

Burn (Jessica Mauboy song) 2008 single by Jessica Mauboy

"Burn" is a song by Australian recording artist Jessica Mauboy. It was written by Taj Jackson, Jonas Jeberg, and Mich Hansen and was produced by Jeberg and Cutfather. "Burn" was released digitally on 17 November 2008 as the second single from Mauboy's debut studio album, Been Waiting (2008). Musically, "Burn" is an R&B-dance track that incorporates electronica influences. The song became Mauboy's first number-one on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association for selling over 70,000 copies. "Burn" also became Mauboy's first charting single internationally, reaching number 92 on the Japan Hot 100.

Jessica Mauboy discography

Australian singer and songwriter Jessica Mauboy has released four studio albums, one live album, three soundtrack albums, one extended play, and thirty six singles. Mauboy was the runner-up on the fourth season of Australian Idol in 2006, and subsequently signed a contract with Sony Music Australia. She released her debut live album The Journey in February 2007, which features songs she performed as part of the top twelve on Australian Idol. The album debuted at number four on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), denoting shipments of 35,000 copies. Mauboy briefly became a member of the Australian pop girl group Young Divas later that year, before resuming her solo career early in 2008.

Grace Bawden Australian classical crossover singer

Grace Bawden is an Australian classical crossover singer and musical theatre actress from Adelaide. She competed on the second season of Australia's Got Talent (2008) and subsequently issued her debut album, Gifts of Grace. She portrayed Yum-Yum in a South Australian production of The Mikado, which toured Australia.

The discography of Young Divas, an Australian pop girl group, consists of two studio albums, one compilation album, four singles, two album appearances and four music videos. The group was formed in 2006 by Sony BMG Australia which included previous Australian Idol contestants Ricki-Lee Coulter, Paulini, Kate DeAraugo and Emily Williams. Young Divas released their self-titled debut album in November 2006, which debuted at number four on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified double platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), for shipments of 140,000 copies. A cover of Donna Summer's "This Time I Know It's for Real" was released as the album's lead single and peaked at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart. The song was certified platinum by the ARIA, for shipments of 70,000 copies. The second single was a cover of Lonnie Gordon's "Happenin' All Over Again", which peaked at number nine and was certified gold for shipments of 35,000 copies. A cover of Hazell Dean's "Searchin'" was released as the third and final single from the album, and peaked at number 40.

<i>Get Em Girls</i> 2010 studio album by Jessica Mauboy

Get 'Em Girls is the second studio album by Australian recording artist Jessica Mauboy, released on 24 August 2010 by SRC Records and Universal Republic Records. Mauboy recorded the album in Los Angeles, New York City and Atlanta. She worked with various American songwriters and producers she had not worked with before, including Bangladesh, Harvey Mason Jr., Chuck Harmony, Brian Kennedy, and Alex James, among others. Musically, Get 'Em Girls contains up-tempo and ballad-oriented songs, which derive from the genres of pop, hip hop and R&B. The album features guest vocal appearances from Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Jay Sean, and Iyaz.

Galaxy (Jessica Mauboy song) 2011 single by Jessica Mauboy featuring Stan Walker

"Galaxy" is a song by Australian recording artist Jessica Mauboy featuring Stan Walker. It was written by Richard Vission, Ferras Alqaisi, Brett McLaughlin, Dominique Calvillo, Chico Bennett and Brad Ackley. Production for the song was handled by Vission, Bennett, Ackley, Braddon Williams, Anthony Egizii and David Musumeci. "Galaxy" was released digitally on 28 October 2011, as the fifth single from Mauboy's second studio album Get 'Em Girls (2010). It peaked at number 13 on the ARIA Singles Chart and number seven on the ARIA Urban Singles Chart. "Galaxy" also became Mauboy's first charting release in New Zealand, where it reached number 36.

Ilan Kidron Musical artist

Ilan Kidron, also known as iKid, is a Sydney-based singer songwriter with over one billion combined streams, best known as the lead singer for Australia's multi-platinum selling dance music act The Potbelleez. As a writer he is a double ASCAP, double APRA award winner and has two Billboard Latin #1s.. Kidron co-wrote The Potbelleez breakthrough single, "Don't Hold Back", which peaked at No. 5 on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified 3× Platinum by ARIA. Kidron has worked with artists such as Kygo, Rita Ora, Ricky Martin, Chance The Rapper, Hayden James, Chris Brown, Tommy Trash, B.o.B, Sesame Street Paul Mac and Sam La More and publishing/production companies Universal Music Publishing and Norway's Dsign Music.

Louis Schoorl is a Dutch-born Australian songwriter, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist.

References

  1. ↑ Muzari, Godwin (12 December 2009). "Zimbabwe: Mtawarira Lines Up Gigs". The Standard . Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  2. ↑ "Audius Mtawarira". Pindula. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  3. ↑ Staff Writer (14 November 2002). "Zimbabwe: Meet Audius of the 'If Only You Knew' Fame People Personalities". The Financial Gazette (allAfrica.com. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  4. ↑ Phiri, Brenda (12 July 2013). "Home is best". The Herald. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  5. ↑ Gono, Vincent (13 December 2015). "Audius Mtawarira bares soul in new album". Sunday News. Zimpapers. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  6. 1 2 3 Muzari, Godwin (10 June 2016). "Mtawarira missed chance to shine". The Herald . Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  7. ↑ "Selwyn - Meant to Be". Australian-charts.com. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
  8. ↑ "ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2002 Albums". Australian Recording Industry Association. 2002. Archived from the original on 20 July 2008. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
  9. ↑ ""Born to Try" at APRA search engine". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). Archived from the original on 8 September 2012. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
  10. ↑ "Delta's Single Out Monday" Archived 30 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine . Deltagoodrem.com.au. Retrieved 10 July 2007.
  11. ↑ "Delta Goodrem - Born to Try". Australian-charts.com. Archived from the original on 11 March 2008. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
  12. ↑ "Delta Goodrem ARIA Award wins & nominations". Archived from the original on 8 December 2008. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
  13. ↑ "ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2004 Albums". Australian Recording Industry Association. 2002. Archived from the original on 7 August 2008. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
  14. ↑ "Ricki-Lee - Hell No!". Australian-charts.com. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
  15. ↑ ""Running Back" at APRA search engine". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). Archived from the original on 8 September 2012. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
  16. ↑ "Jessica Mauboy - Been Waiting". Australian-charts.com. Archived from the original on 20 November 2010. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
  17. ↑ "Jessica Mauboy ARIA Award wins & nominations" . Retrieved 4 February 2010.[ permanent dead link ]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.