By Sihle Smith
AV Raincandy is a name to watch in South Africa’s evolving music scene. After making waves with her track Bawo, a collaboration with DJ Sneja, her journey from Johannesburg to Gqeberha is shaping up as one marked by steady growth and promise. The song has been well-received online, with buzz on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, showcasing her blend of soulful vocals and amapiano influences
Raincandy (real name Aviwe Mampondo) slouches on a green vintage couch in a room filled with portrait paintings of her and alternative neo-soul artists Willow Smith, Umi, and Kali Uchis. Born and raised in the warm City of Gold, Johannesburg, Raincandy has recently moved to the Gqeberha. The White Noize hitmaker was thrilled to be featured in the May 2023 local hip-hop magazine, Hype alongside international hip-hop artists, Zoocci Coke Dope and Nasty C in the May edition.
Her latest single Next to You with Jay Jody is available on Spotify. And her latest track and video with DJ Sneja, titled Bawo is blowing up TikTok with over 2 million views at the time of writing.
“Rumour has it that (SA record producer and rapper) Zoocci Coke Dope listened to one of my songs, Nu School. That’s when I knew that my music is not something I do for just about anything but something to have a great impact on the industry,” she said.
“Working with him was an amazing experience,” says Raincandy.
“He invited me to perform at an event he was hosting. We then met up for a session after and …ever since then we …worked on a lot of songs in which we ended up being a duo. I got to get him out of his comfort zone which is a win for me cause that’s what I strive to do.”
“My parents separated when I was young, I think around when I was twelve that didn’t stop me though my childhood was carefree, I always knew I was an old soul I knew what was going on around me for some reason”.
AV fell in love with music when she became a teenager. She was surrounded by the musical influences of her older brother who listened to Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and Lauryn Hill.
“…my brother would blast CDs of those artists. At first it was annoying because you would find that he did that every single day, but I learned to evolve and I liked the music. It encouraged me to sing, rap and freestyle. I think if it wasn’t for him blasting the music, I wouldn’t be here doing what I love,” she smirked
Though she knew not all artists survive the jump into the music industry – juggling her life, her art, and school – she knew she had to make, even in a small city like Gqeberha.
Her co-artists and good friends, rapper and podcaster Jac Lou, and Mlami gush over working with her and praising her with compliments.
“AV is phenomenal to work with. Trust me she’s a powerhouse to be exact this person you would suggest a concept for a song you trust she will do the job way more than what is expected,” says Jac Lou. Mlami rapidly rushed into her room and sat down
“Working with Aviwe brings a change, man if you know what I mean. …I don’t think no artist can be equal to what she does. She’s different and the chemistry in the music we have”.
What makes AV Raincandy a great artist, songwriter, and producer is how she is not only limited to one genre of music.
“Hip-hop is my cup of tea so are the other genres too. Why limit yourself? Alternative, neo-soul, RnB, Afrobeat, Amapiano, and others I write what I like I sing what I like. Inspiration hits me with a beat. I know I have listened to the inspiration the universe gives me right away. I think the only two genres I will never do is Gospel, and Gqom I am versatile to a certain point,” she laughs.
AV’s spark of magic has been featured on a recent project with Oh Monde, Mlami, and Shaun Klass called White Noize. She has collaborated with Jac Lou, Mlami, Jay Tobias, AP baby, and many more. She continues to strive to collaborate with Gqeberha artists in the belief that no matter where you start, dreams have a way to manifest themselves.
A poster in the room reads, “WE WILL MAKE IT I KNOW WE WILL” in big bold letters.
“Though I am turning 20 soon it doesn’t mean I will be too young to make it I am on my way to making it I need to make it to the point I buy my mother and siblings their dream home it may seem easy but it’s not.” It takes time and hard work. She advises aspirant musicians to “Never settle for easy – push for great’.
“One day I will perform for Coachella and win a Grammy. I will collaborate with Merebba, Solange, Noname, The internet, Sampha, Smino, Kendrick Lamar, and many more. I just hope outside there I inspire many other children.”
This article was first published by Khulani!
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