For Werribee gospel singer Jolie Mpia, music is a universal language.
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mpia sings in Swahili, Lingala, French and English.
No matter the language, she believes the message is always the same – encouraging people to follow their dreams.
“I want to encourage people to keep going, stay positive and do what you want to do,” she said.
The talented songstress began singing at the age of eight, following in the footsteps of her mother, who would sing at church.
Mpia herself now sings every week at the United International Church in Werribee.
She is also a success on Youtube, where one of her music videos attracted more than 60,000 views in one month. Another video attracted more than 23,000 views in two months.
Mpia is now hoping to use her singing talent to help others.
She released an album, titled Champion, last year and is working on a second album, with the profits to go toward helping orphans around the world.
Mpia is seeking funding to help with the cost of hiring recording studios.
For details visit facebook.com/JOLIE-MPIA-1553780118262606 or contact 0423 733 438.
