Lady Du recently released her EP “Underrated,” a birthday gift to herself on the 17th of May. In a live session, she delved into the meaning behind the EP and why she chose to collaborate with the featured artists.
Lady Du explained that the title “Underrated” reflects the common thread among all the collaborators on the EP. “All the people that are on my EP are people that I feel are underrated. It’s people I believe have so much talent, but people overlook their talent. They listen to their music but don’t support them a lot,” she shared. This sentiment of underappreciation motivated her to give a platform to lesser-known producers and artists by using her own established following.
Each track on the EP holds a significant meaning for Lady Du, resonating with her personal journey and the experiences of those around her. She described “Ngwenya” as a heartfelt tribute to her ancestors and those who have supported her through tough times. “It’s just to say thank you to my ancestors and people that I know have carried me through tough times, through pain, through everything,” she explained.
“Skroof,” another track on the EP, is deeply personal. “It’s about me,” she said. “There are so many things that might happen to you, but you know that you force your ways through.” This track encapsulates her resilience and determination.
“Forever Yena” is teased as a true love story, with Lady Du promising to reveal more about it in an upcoming video. “Ehaya” is about the journey of leaving home to chase dreams, a narrative familiar to many South Africans. “Ekhaya is about a girl who leaves home to go and fetch her dreams. There are so many people in South Africa that leave their homes to find a voice,” she said, highlighting the struggle and hope embedded in such journeys.
“Unconditional Love” addresses the lost essence of genuine love in today’s materialistic society. “We have lost unconditional love; people make love about money. That’s why in the song I say we’ve lost unconditional love,” she explained.
“Makhubenjalo” celebrates those who keep the spirit of the weekend alive even on Mondays, particularly those who partake in “Mogodu Mondays.” Finally, “Bhadala” speaks to the need for fair compensation and recognition, both in personal relationships and professional environments. “It’s about asking the guys to buy us presents, to give us money. Even where we work for those who don’t want to pay us,” she said.
Through her EP “Underrated,” Lady Du provides a platform for overlooked talent and shares her own stories of resilience, gratitude, and the quest for genuine love and fair treatment. Known for her captivating tunes, infectious beats, and expressive vocals, Lady Du continues to uplift and move her listeners, proving her growing impact in the music industry.
