Lucy Gondwe (known as Trizah Titus and later NyaGo) is a Malawian Afro-spiritual singer, songwriter, and activist. She fuses 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
Gondwe was born in Blantyre[6] and she grew up in a family of five children including in the Rumphi District. Her father left his children and she experienced poverty and gender-based violence. Her early life included spiritual healing rituals such as the Tumbuka people's Vimbuza, which later shaped her artistic identity.[7][8]
Career
Gondwe began performing under the name Trizah Titus[9], releasing four gospel albums between 2013 and 2019: Tsika Mzimu Woyera (2013), Yesu Wakwiza (2015), Ndendende (2017), and Umoza (2019).[10][11]
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[12], the Goethe Institute Tanzania with Tres Testosterones [13] and the Pamoja Zanzibar Festival.[14][15][16]
NyaGo is an outspoken advocate for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). She uses her experience to raise awareness and to support affected women and children. In 2021, she was appointed ambassador for a GBV and mental health campaign by the organization Lifest.[17][18]
In 2025, Gondwe published ENOUGH! Unveiling My Shadows[6], 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. [18][19]
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.[10]
