A dynamic powerhouse and multifaceted trailblazer, Lerato Auctavia Letlojane, better known as Auctavia, is not an amateur on the gospel music scene, but a stalwart. The passion for her music and projects is felt as she shares translucent stories about her life, music and passions.
Auctavia is an urban/soul gospel singer and songwriter. The energetic artist is known for her encouraging music, vibrant outfits and hairstyles when performing. “My image portrays
a bold woman who is strong and who is confident in her own skin,” she says. Before Auctavia started her journey in the music industry full time in 2004, she moved from Kroonstad to Bloemfontein. Although she was a staff member of a bank, music has
always been embedded in her DNA. “I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember and started performing at the age of five,” she says. The enthusiastic entrepreneur has been in
the industry formally since 2019 and has made a name for herself. She performed at the Woman to Woman concert in Bloemfontein and was the opening act for the award
winning musician, Thandiswa Mazwai. “Performing for a crowd of over 3000 people as the only gospel singer, was one of the highlights of my career,” she gushes. She has also
performed at the Macufe Festival and at the Best of Bloem awards in 2019. The star has also released a song titled “More than a dreamer”, which is available on all major digital
platforms. She was also cast in a Dream Girls theatrical project at Pacofs, which was run by the University of the Free State.
Auctavia shares that her purpose is to heal people and give them hope through her music. “My music is encouraging and is a message of hope,” she says. She goes on to describe
the challenges she has faced as a woman in the music industry. She tells how people have the perception that as a gospel artist, you need to be composed and look a certain
way. She continues to change the narrative and status quo through her image and her sense of style. One of the challenges she is currently facing, is having her music played
on local radio stations. Auctavia is not only a musician; she is also the founder of Love Live Laugh, a programme where she hosts several events focused on women’s stories and women empowerment. “I decided to create a platform where women are comfortable enough to share their stories and be transparent. I believe that my past experiences can help you in your present reality.” She realises she was called to empower other women and share her story to help them overcome any battles they might be facing. In February
2020, she hosted a Cardio Fest for all ladies to keep fit whilst having fun.
The key lesson this inspiring young lady has learned from her journey thus far, is to remain authentic and develop relationships with the people she meets. She draws her inspiration from praying, listening to inspirational podcasts and from people around her. The driven artist wants to continue growing as an artist and will also be recording her live DVD on the 30th of May. She is also working on a weekly devotional book, which will be launched this year. The book will feature inspirational quotes, personal experiences and Bible scriptures. It will also have a gratitude section and a section to jot down notes. Her advice to aspiring
musicians is: “Be yourself because there can only be you; make mistakes because that is how we learn; enjoy the rollercoaster ride because it will be worth it at the end.” Follow Auctavia’s page on Facebook: Auctavia Music and Love Live Laugh.
Text: WANDILE JAMA Photos : FLAMING FIRE PHOTOGRAPHY Makeup : RONEL LE ROUX
