Lady Du has had an interesting 20-year rise in the game
Every now and again, there is a burst of fresh talent that is both quality and seasoned enough to promise staying power. Today on our radar is multi-talented music artist, radio personality, DJ and producer Lady Du. She has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry in a career spanning over 2 decades but now is her time to take her place as a force within the industry. Don’t sleep on her.
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Born and raised in Vosloorus, Duduzile Ngwenya better known as Lady Du is rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, radio presenter and dancer who hails from Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. She started DJ’ing at age 11, playing alongside heavyweights such as DJ Fresh and DJ Cleo. In an interview with Drum, she mentions that she was always so clear about the path she wanted her life to take. “I have always wanted to be a musician, I was involved in singing, DJing and dance from a young age and it’s all I’ve dreamt of all my life,” she explains.
When Lady Du stepped onto the Amapiano scene, she owned the space
Although Lady Du has been in the industry since the year 2000, her big break came when she switched to Amapiano and almost immediately started working with some of the biggest names in the genre and in the country. The like of DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Mr JazziQ, DJ Clock, DJ Bongz and more.
Her latest collaboration with Busta 929, Mpura, Reec Madlisa, Zuma and Mr JazziQ birthed the chart topping hit Umsebenzi Wethu. She further stamped her name in the game with the release of her own hit singles Dakiwe alongside DBN Gogo) and Catalia with Junior De Rocka. Proving that she is not a one hit wonder and also that 20 years in the game was just the beginning for the amount of recognition she deserves.
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The journey hasn’t always been easy for Lady Du. She tells Drum that she was overlooked on several occasions and never quite become an “IT girl” in the game. She also touches on almost committing suicide because things were not going well for her. But with a brand new EP on the way, we will definitely be hearing more from Lady Du.
“I don’t want to be the queen of anything. I want to walk in Brenda Fassie’s footsteps with a touch of Lebo Mathosa. Leaving a mark. They can keep the throne. I want to leave this earth with a stamp on someone’s heart. I love what I do, I don’t compete”, she says.
Link up with her on her social media account for more on her journey.
Images by @ok_majozi