Gigi Lamayne

Gigi Lamayne (born Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney) is an award-winning rapper from South Africa who has taken the country by storm with her charismatic stage presence, versatility, and remarkably mature lyrical abilities.

She graduated from Wits University with a degree in Media Studies.

Rapper, singer, songwriter and poet all describe this multifaceted artist. She developed her poetic skills at the tender age of 11 and also had her first poem titled ‘Valentine’s Day’ published at the Poetry Institute of Africa under the Anthology – Fairytale moon.

Gigi Lamayne later developed her unique rap writing skills at the age of 16, drawing inspiration from artists like Jean Grae, Bob Marley, Brenda Fassie and Tupac Shakur. Her talent was realised at an exchange programme in the UK under the Richard Branson Scholarship programme at Stowe School Buckingham. Her performance at the event earned her the runner up position. She also received the Best in Rap Award at The DCS showdown East District in 2011.

Gigi Lamayne is credited for hit singles like ‘1 Bar’, ‘Ice Cream’ and ‘Lobola’. She uses her life experiences as inspiration to take to the entertainment stage to better resonate with her prodigious audience. Somewhat of a feminist, one will always find deeper meaning in her lyrics, which she hopes many will identify with. Some of here releases include ‘Iphupho’ and ‘Bozza’ featuring Kwesta.

In May 2019, Gigi Lamayne was officially labelled as the first female to put together and successfully execute a hip hop one-woman-show where 5000 people gathered at Elkah Stadium in Soweto, in support of The Gigi Gang Show. Following the Gigi Gang Show, she tapped into the Gqom nation by announcing the release of her single titled ‘FUFA’ featuring King Monada.

Achievements

• 2013: She became a runner up for the National Sprite Uncontainable Festival, where she was the only contestant to ever reach the finals.
• 2013: She was a finalist at the Shiz Niz Mixtape competition, where she was the only female finalist
• 2014: She won the Jack Daniel’s Music Scouts Competition out of 50 000 contestants.
• 2019: She was the special guest speaker and performer at the ADE international Music Conference in Amsterdam.
• 2020: Gigi also participated as a voice and advocate on First for women’s, Stand up campaign alongside Lira, Goodluck and Mariechan.
• 2020: Africa One Campaign. Gigi joined forces with Yemi Alade, Ben Pol, 2Baba to raise awareness around COVID-19 encouraging people to stay safe.
• 2021: Official ambassador for Silapha artist programme assisting artist with tools to combat mental illness, drug abuse, financial and legal issues.
• Gigi was voted Top 10 most influential women of 2020 by #Brandwatch safe during the pandemic.