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Lady Du's chart-topping advice: how resilience and financial stability can make or break artists

Lady Du's chart-topping advice: how resilience and financial stability can make or break artists

IOL News06-05-2025
Lady Du has opened up about her journey through adversity and the critical lessons learned in the wake of personal and professional struggles.
Image: Sfundo Majozi
South African musician Lady Du has opened up about her journey through adversity and the critical lessons learned in the wake of personal and professional struggles.
After months of battling illness and grappling with the devastating loss of her father, Du has discovered the vital role that financial independence plays in safeguarding one's future.
'Today I want to dedicate this post to all the artists that are at their peak,' she noted on social media, turning her tribulations into a powerful message for her peers in the music industry.
During her three-month hiatus from performing, which saw her refunding over 16 shows, Du was forced to confront the grim reality of not having a stable income derived solely from her artistry.
'If it wasn't for my businesses, I don't know what I would have done,' she expressed, emphasising the significance of creating diversified revenue streams.
Through dedication and smart financial planning, Du transformed properties into beauty salons, fully owning them without the burden of rent.
Lady Du has opened up about her journey through adversity and the critical lessons learned in the wake of personal and professional struggles.
Image: Sfundo Majozi
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Highlighting her sacrifices, she stated, 'I could buy myself nice things, but I preferred just focusing on that.' This strategic mindset has not only provided her with a steady income but also helped sustain her during one of the toughest periods of her life.
In her candid reflection, the artist extended gratitude to her mentors and peers, including industry stalwarts like Oskido, Clock, and Zinhle.
She acknowledged their invaluable support in shaping her career, illustrating the importance of community and collaboration in the often isolating world of art.
'I sometimes help out at the salon when it's too busy,' she shared, highlighting her commitment to humility and the importance of giving back to those who have played significant roles in her journey.
With her inspiring message to 'save and create an income for yourselves,' Du calls upon fellow artists to not only work hard in their craft but to also think about their financial futures.
By cultivating multiple streams of income, the artist hopes to empower others to prepare for challenging times that may lie ahead.
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