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Draft:NyaGo

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NyaGo
Birth nameLucy Gondwe
BornMalawi
OriginRumphi District, Malawi
GenresEthno-spiritual, gospel, Afro-soul, Vimbuza fusion
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, activist
Years active2013–present

NyaGo (born Lucy Gondwe) is a Malawian Afro-spiritual singer, songwriter, and activist. She is known for fusing traditional Vimbuza[1] healing rhythms of the Tumbuka people with gospel, house, and contemporary African music. Her autobiographical work and public performances address themes of survival, migration, and spiritual transformation.[2][3][4][5]

Early life

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Lucy Gondwe was born in northern Malawi and grew up in Blantyre and Rumphi District. She experienced poverty, displacement, and various forms of gender-based violence. Her early life included exposure to spiritual healing rituals such as the Tumbuka Vimbuza, which later shaped her artistic identity. [6][7]

Career

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Gondwe began her musical journey under the name Trizah Titus[8], releasing four gospel albums between 2013 and 2019: Tsika Mzimu Woyera (2013), Yesu Wakwiza (2015), Ndendende (2017), and Umoza (2019).[9][10]

In 2020, she rebranded as NyaGo to reflect a more spiritually conscious and culturally rooted direction. Her music integrates indigenous rhythms, spiritual chanting, and storytelling. She has performed across Southern Africa, including at the Wikiendi Live festival in Tanzania[11] and the Pamoja Zanzibar Festival.[12][13]

Activism

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NyaGo is an outspoken advocate for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Drawing on her own lived experiences, she uses her platform to raise awareness and support affected women and children. In 2021, she was appointed ambassador for a GBV and mental health campaign by the organization Lifest.[14][15]

Writing

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In 2025, Gondwe published ENOUGH! Unveiling My Shadows[16], a memoir that recounts her life from childhood trauma and abuse through resilience, escape, and spiritual growth. The book combines autobiographical storytelling with themes of inner healing, faith, and cultural reflection. [15][17]

Style and influence

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NyaGo’s musical style is described as ethno-spiritual or Afro-healing music. She combines traditional Malawian instruments and tonalities with contemporary vocal techniques and multilingual lyrics in Tumbuka, Chichewa, and English. Her sound has drawn comparisons to Malawian jazz pioneer Wambali Mkandawire.[9]

Discography

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As Trizah Titus:

  • Tsika Mzimu Woyera (2013)
  • Yesu Wakwiza (2015)
  • Ndendende (2017)
  • Umoza (2019)

As NyaGo:

  • [Upcoming debut ethno-spiritual album]
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References

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  1. ^ Times, The Daily (2023-03-24). "Nyago in healing session for mother". African News Agency. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  2. ^ "NyaGo". Music In Africa. 2020-04-27. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  3. ^ Online, Nation (2023-07-23). "Musician fighting gender-based violence". Nation Online. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  4. ^ Chris Loka. "Lifest has unveiled Afro-spiritual musician Lucy Gondwe, also known as Nyago, as an ambassador for gender based violence (GBV) and mental health project". Nyasa Times.
  5. ^ Reporter, Our (2020-11-20). "The sounds of Nyago". Nation Online. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  6. ^ News, Times (2023-10-05). "Nyago's lessons from Wikiendi Live". The Times Group. Retrieved 2025-07-07. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  7. ^ Online, Nation (2021-06-18). "Back to their roots". Nation Online. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  8. ^ Reporter, Our (2018-04-20). "Amplifying a woman's voice through song". Nation Online. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  9. ^ a b "The Sounds of NyaGo". The Nation. 1 November 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
  10. ^ Reporter, Nyasa Times (2013-05-09). "New Malawi songstress Trizah Titus marches into gospel arena - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  11. ^ News, Times (2023-11-30). "Nyago returns to Tanzania". The Times Group. Retrieved 2025-07-07. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  12. ^ "NyaGo's lessons from Wikiendi Live". The Times. 6 December 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
  13. ^ "NyaGo returns to Tanzania". The Times. 23 December 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
  14. ^ "Malawi: NyaGo Appointed GBV Ambassador". AllAfrica. 6 September 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
  15. ^ a b "EMBRACING OUR POWER: Amplifying the Voices of Malawian Women". www.hervoicemw.com. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  16. ^ Mwale, Winston (2024-02-26). ""ENOUGH: Unveiling My Shadows" - A Story of Resilience and Triumph". AfricaBrief. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  17. ^ Mkandawire, Mwayi (2022-06-14). "Nyago sexually exploited as child Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2025-07-07.