Lady Du slots in effortlessly as Idols SA judge
Muso gets first nod as guest in place of ‘off duty’ Somizi
Musician Lady Du says there was no pressure to follow in the footsteps of Idols SA judge Somizi Mhlongo after she was the first celebrity guest to take his chair after “he took time off.”
Real name Dudu Ngwenya, the rapper and dancer joined regular judges Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi as the season 17 live shows commenced on Sunday.
The 31-year-old has had hot collaborations with DBN Gogo, Busiswa, Boohle, DJ Maphorisa and Kamo Mphela.
Her most recent is Umsebenzi Wethu featuring Busta 929 and the late Mpura.
“There was no pressure. Somizi is Somizi and Lady Du is Lady Du. We are two different people and living in two different generations. He has his path and I also have mine,” Lady Du told Sowetan yesterday.
“I never feel like I have to follow in someone’s footsteps. I could be inspired by them [but] I have my own shoes to fill and I wear them gracefully.
“I was anxious to be filling Somizi’s big shoes but I wasn’t really scared because I feel like because of my work experience and being an artist it became easy to relate to what the contestants are going through.”
Lady Du started her career as a hip hop DJ. She then relocated to London after obtaining a bursary to study somatology.
After returning to SA in 2012, she was a motivational speaker for DJ Sbu’s Sbusiso Leope Foundation.
She eventually was the vocalist for Ama-Beer by DJ Clock and never looked back.
Lady Du said she was open to be the permanent third judge on the reality music show.
“I think we need to build more artists with the truth and show them that it’s not as easy as it looks,” Lady Du said.
“New artists need to remember that the industry can break them in as much as it can make them. I think I’d bring a different experience if I did it full time. I have been a fan of Idols and I think I’d know what to do if I was made permanent.”
Lady Du added that the public needed to be more receptive of a new judge on the panel.
“I’m not saying it’s ok for people to be taken out of the position but people should adjust when situations happen and others are put as replacements. It’s not your fault, but you are put there because of circumstances.
In light of domestic violence allegations by Mhlongo’s estranged husband Mohale Motaung a month ago, the show had a mutual agreement with Mhlongo that he will take some time off to resolve the matter.
The channel said guest judges will be announced weekly.