COVER: Lady Du rises to the occasion of music with new album ‘Song Is Queen’
The music industry is a brutal one where manier-a-time artists have alluded to this fact. And while some buckle under the pressure, it is artists like Lady Du who make you believe that ‘what is meant for you will never miss you’.
Through the struggles, the depression, suicide attempt, the joys and the pain lived openly for all to see – she always bounces back with undeniably great music. The star recently released a new single Oyini, which features gospel star Siyakha Khita, and Nigerian superstar Reekado Banks. This release is a build up to her anticipated 20 track album ‘Song Is Queen’ which is expected to drop next Friday, April 28th.
“I am excited and scared at the same time. Remember, I am not signed to anyone, I don’t have financial backing but this is all my hard work. So the nerves are expected. But it also doesn’t matter if it hits or not, what matters is celebrating the fact that I was able to do this by myself and release it in my capacity.
“That alone is a proud moment for me. And as a female within this industry, to achieve so much, is proof that there is so much available to us,” she said.
And while many perceive her msuic to just be groove music, her songs are actually a message from or about the muso. Like her hit songs Umsebenzi Wethu, that was released during a time when she was depressed, Dakiwe – which is actually a suicide song “and a personal prayer,” and now Oyini which is also a prayer to God. The 12 track album is no different.
“Every experience becomes a musical journey for me. What was happening during Oyini was when I had a fight with my (former) manager, when he didn’t want to give me my profiles and therefore I couldn’t release any new music. That is why I am saying, ‘Oyini, what is happening’? on the song,” she said.
The upcoming album features songs such as Anxiety, Vukani Ma Afrika: “where I encourage Africans to wake up and take back their power”, and also features street songs, gospel songs and Afropop inspired songs.
“I am from the townships and my music would not make sense without music that will relate to that side of who I am. This is a diverse album that caters to everyone,” she said.
And while building her name took 15 years, Lady Du is a firm believer of things happening at the right time. And now, she believes, is her time to blossom.
“The only reason that my work took longer was because I am a morals before business type of girl. I would never use any of my body parts to promote my work, because the reality is that men are still the gatekeepers of this industry. They want us to date them, go out with them, give them our friends or something like that – to make it. But I’ve always put my morals first and if you ever offered me anything outside of what I wanted, then we cut the deal. And that is why it took longer to reap my blessings.
“And also, if you look at the internet right now, if you show your boobs you become famous. The most untalented people are making millions while the educated and talented remain struggling. I want to change that narrative and that is why the direction I am taking is for that child who is still in school. That when they look at my Instagram account, they find Dudu Ngwenya who is real and gives real life accounts. Even about the difficulties of the industry,” like when she battled her former manager stealing money from her, she said.
Struggles she shares freely on social media, anchored on the motto that once you become a public figure, there is nowhere to hide.
“There is no use calling myself a public figure but I am presenting a fake life that no one can relate to. Instead, I want when someone looks at my story, they are reminded of someone who is real and yet went out to achieve her dreams. A lot of our celebrities hide the truth behind people who pay them. I live my truth as Duduzile Ngwenya,” she says.
Her depression, that she has been actively working on, is a culmination of everything that had happened in her life from being bullied when she was younger to losing her 12 year long partner, “and that was especially difficult because we had built something together.” Life seemed to crumble right before her eyes, and all other pressures came toppling over her.
“But that day when I drank those pills, it was like a rebirth. Because I am a completely different person than who I was before that incident, and I believe that I received my second chance. I met God and I was told it was not my time to die. And that I have to be the best version of myself,” she said.
The beginning to the best version of herself begun.
“I always say that going through the most doesn’t mean you are defeated. It only means that something in your life needs to be shaken.”
And she was shaken, alright. She stripped herself away from public validation, the clout and fame, and became intentional about honouring God with her talents. Following her dreams, therefore, was non-negotiable.
“That is why I will never fail,” she said, emphasising her dependence on God with every second word she utters. “The moment you live your life for yourself, that is when you cannot inflict pain on yourself or live for people. Those very people will not manipulate what God made you to be, because that is when you lose your essence. The moment you see yourself the way God sees you, no one can ever touch you. And that is where I am,” she said.
The star has much to be thankful for, like being on the Time Square Billboards with just 80 thousands follower, and winning numerous awards.
Lady Du is happy to announce that she and her father are the greatest friends, outside of the negative reports that made way to the press, and that she has a great support system in the form of her partner, his sister, her grandmother and her daughter. Keeping a close knit.
The future looks busy and bright for the star. “I am very content. I am building my net worth and I don’t care about the noise that is outside. I no longer care about so much but I am focused on what God is going to do in my life. I am building businesses and I now lead a life of purpose. I am just excited to see where all this will lead to.”
And just like that, the superstar keeps rising to the occasion of music.
