Backing singer, Avo Emilio is going solo. She says she has gained a lot of crucial experience. “While I was a backing singer I learnt a lot about the music industry. I also had the opportunity to work with many different artists and with all that information I can finally stand on my own,” she says excitedly.

Avo, who featured on Atushe’s song ‘Too late’ and Ras Sheehema’s ‘The prayer’, will have her first solo performance during the feminine fiesta, ‘A Sistah Thang concert’ that will be hosted at the Backstage of the National Theater of Namibia (NTN) next month. She says when NTN approached her to perform at ‘A Sistah Thang’ she could not let the opportunity slip. “This is it. The chance that I have been waiting for has finally arrived. My solo performance at the NTN is surely the start for me as a singer,” she says smiling with delight. Avo is expected to perform cover versions and some of her own creations.

The 32-year old singer says she does not have any recorded music of her own yet, but says she’s currently busy recording her first album.

Avo made her mark in 2005 as a backing vocalist for local Reggae and Afro-Jazz sensation, Patricia Ochurus, but says that she is finally ready to make it on her own. “I have been at the back of artists since 2005 and now I am ready to stand on my own.”

“I love music. When I am singing it feels like I am in another place. I am always happy when I am singing.”

Avo first came to prominence when she started performing in talent shows at school. In 2000 she joined the KAYEC Cultural Group. A seasoned performer, she has also done backing vocals for Stella, Phura, Stanley, Swartbaster, TeQuila, Ras Sheehama, Atushe and Setson.

The artists who will perform alongside Avo at ‘A Sistah Thang’ are Erna Chimu, Blossom, Adora, Esme, Sally, Johne Titus, Shevon and Lettie.