Ndu Shezi finds a different kind of wealth in faith on ‘Gugu Lami’

For SAMA-nominated singer-songwriter Ndu Shezi, being rich has little to do with what you own.

On her latest single, “Gugu Lami”, the Durban-born artist turns to faith, gratitude and her relationship with God, reflecting on the comfort and peace she finds in that connection.

“The inspiration was my relationship with God and just expressing what that means to me,” says Ndu.

‘Oh yes, I am rich’

At the heart of “Gugu Lami” is the declaration, “Awu yebo ngicebile”, translated as “Oh yes, I am rich”.

But the wealth Ndu sings about is not material.

Instead, the song explores the richness she finds in having God to lean on, expressed through the words “Kuwena ngiyazimela”, meaning “Unto you, I can lean [and rest].”

The repeated phrase “Gugu lami”, or “My treasure”, further captures the deeply personal nature of the song and the value Ndu places on her faith.

Produced by Ndu alongside Junior Petja and Sphiwe Moloi, the track features a band of musicians while allowing the message at its centre to take the lead.

Building on her SAMA-nominated music

“Gugu Lami” follows Ndu’s 2024 single “Ngowakho”, featuring Ndabo Zulu, and the release of her debut album, “Isibusiso Sami”.

The album earned her a South African Music Award nomination for Best African Adult Contemporary.

Her music draws strongly on Zulu nuances, influenced by her KwaZulu-Natal upbringing and growing up in a musical family.

Ndu first introduced herself to audiences with her debut single “Ngthanda Wena” in 2018.

As she continues exploring her sound, she hopes to collaborate with Thandiswa Mazwai, Sjava and Langa Mavuso.

For now, “Gugu Lami” offers another glimpse into the music and experiences shaping Ndu’s journey, this time through a song about the treasure she finds in faith.

“Gugu Lami” is available on all major streaming platforms.

Read Inbound SA online