Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney, professionally known as Gigi Lamayne,is a prominent figure in the South African music scene. This young and vibrant artist has garnered recognition and accolades for her exceptional talent. Not confined to just rap, Gigi Lamayne showcases her versatility as a skillful and melodious singer.
In addition to her prowess in rap and singing, Gigi Lamayne wears multiple hats in the entertainment industry. She is celebrated as a songwriter, television presenter, and poet. Her journey into the world of poetry began at the tender age of 11, when she had her first poem, titled "Valentine’s Day," published in the Poetry Institute of Africa’s Anthology. This early exploration of her poetic abilities laid the foundation for her multifaceted artistic career.
Gigi Lamayne draws inspiration from a diverse range of influential figures, including Jean Grae, Bob Marley, Brenda Fassie, and Tupac Shakur. This eclectic mix of influences has shaped her unique style and contributed to her success in the music industry. Gigi Lamayne continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic talent and remains a force to be reckoned with in the South African entertainment landscape.
Early Life and Educational Background
Gigi Lamayne, born on July 7, 1994, in California to Sarah Manney and Collin Manney, is a South African with roots in the United States. Although she was born in the U.S., Gigi proudly identifies with her South African heritage. Most of her childhood days were spent in Lenasia, Soweto, Eldorado Park, and boarding school.
Gigi's educational path led her to the Dominican Convent School in Johannesburg, where she was enrolled from 2001 to 2012. It was during these formative years that she discovered her passion for poetry, commencing her writing endeavors at the young age of 11.
Continuing her educational pursuits, Gigi Lamayne furthered her studies at Wits University, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in Media and Anthropology. Her academic achievements speak volumes, as she not only completed her degree but also stood out as the third position in her class with an impressive four distinctions. Gigi's commitment to both her education and artistic endeavors reflects her dedication to continuous growth and excellence.
Career
At the age of 16, Gigi Lamayne's journey into the world of rap commenced. Scratchbeats Records played a pivotal role in her musical beginnings, collaborating with Munya "Lym C" Chanetsa, Mitchan "Pinkaso" Adams, and Clint Allin to release her inaugural mixtape titled El Principio-16.
In 2013, Gigi's talents were recognized as she emerged as a runner-up at the National Sprite Uncontainable Festival. The following year, she clinched victory in the Shiz Niz Mixtape competition, earning her a record deal with Bentey Records. The momentum continued in 2014, when Gigi Lamayne showcased her skills as a contestant in the Jack Daniel's Music Scouts Competition, ultimately winning the competition. It was during this period that she caught the attention of PRO, leading to a record deal with Money First Entertainment. Gigi's prowess in the hip-hop scene earned her the title of Best Female at the South African Hip-Hop Awards in 2013.
October 2, 2014, marked a significant milestone in Gigi's career with the release of her first project album, "Colour Reign," produced by Tuxman.
Building on her success, Gigi Lamayne's single "Ice Cream" gained widespread popularity in early 2015, topping radio charts and receiving a remix by Khuli Chana. Following this, the lead single from her album, "Jungle Fever," was released on September 15, debuting at number 1 on the African Top Ten Charts.
In 2016, Gigi Lamayne continued to ascend in the music industry by signing a record deal with Mabala Noise, setting the stage for the recording of her upcoming album. Gigi's journey is marked by a series of achievements, showcasing her resilience and talent in the ever-evolving landscape of South African hip-hop.
Gigi Lamayne's debut studio album, iGenesis, was initially slated for a July 2016 release but eventually hit the shelves in October of the same year. The album showcased her musical prowess and was supported by three singles: "Jungle Fever," "Shisa," and "Is'gubhu," featuring Duncan.
In December 2016, Gigi Lamayne took center stage at the NH7 Weekender event in Pune, headlining the event and further solidifying her presence in the music scene. Her accomplishments in 2016 didn't go unnoticed, earning her nominations at the South African Hip Hop Awards for Best Female, Best Mixtape, and Hustler of the Year.
On June 23, Gigi released her single "Lobola" featuring Maraza, accompanied by a music video. The following day, she headlined the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival on June 24, continuing to make waves in the industry.
December 19 saw a change in Gigi's musical journey as she parted ways with Mabala Noise. In early January 2018, Lamayne signed a new record deal with Ambitiouz Entertainment, leading to the release of her extended play, VI, on July 13, 2018. The EP featured the single "Iphupho," released on January 29, and "Fufu," featuring King Monada, released on May 17. "Bozza," featuring Kwesta, followed on February 1, debuting at the summit of the Top 50 RAMS Chart.
On July 26, 2019, she released her extended play, Jobs Woods, showcasing her continuous creative evolution. In April 2020, Gigi made her debut on screen as a presenter on Hair Jury, premiering on April 1 on the Soweto TV channel. The following month, she embarked on the Gigi Gang Show tour in South Africa, joining forces with Nadia Nakai, Moozlie, and Boity Thulo, solidifying her status as a multifaceted artist in the South African entertainment landscape.
In March 2020, Gigi Lamayne marked her screen debut as the host of "Hairy Jury," a show airing on Soweto TV, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry.
On June 4, 2021, Gigi released "Feelin U," featuring Blxckie and Mi Casa, as the lead single from her fourth studio album. The much-anticipated album, titled "Mermaids and Stuff," dropped on July 15, 2021, receiving positive reviews from music critics. Her diverse talents were further acknowledged when she was chosen to host TikTok's Africa music chart show, announced on September 17, 2021. Adding to her accolades, Gigi Lamayne got an award at the 2021 Women of Wonder Awards and a nomination for Best Female at the 2021 South African Hip Hop Awards.
In February 2022, Gigi revealed exciting news about her fourth studio album, "Set In Stone," including the release date. The album officially hit the airwaves on May 20, 2022, featuring collaborations with Majorsteez, Big Zulu, Busiswa, MusiholiQ, Makhadzi, and Kid X.
Not limiting her creative pursuits, Gigi Lamayne ventured into voice acting in 2023, making her debut in the Disney+ animated original "Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire," showcasing her ability to excel in various facets of the entertainment world.
Endorsement Deals
Gigi Lamayne's influence extends beyond the music realm as she embraced ambassadorship for various campaigns and brands.
In February 2017, Puma announced Gigi Lamayne as the ambassador for their Run the Streets Campaign, recognizing her as a symbol of style and empowerment.
Continuing her role as a brand ambassador, Gigi embraced the fragrance world in early February 2018 when she was appointed as the face of Avon's product fragrance, Free.
In May 2022, she revealed an exciting collaboration, announcing a partnership with Fenty Africa, showcasing her impact on the fashion and beauty scene.
August 2023 brought another feather to her cap as Gigi Lamayne was unveiled as the ambassador for Afroslim International, a testament to her influence in the health and wellness sector.
These partnerships underscore Gigi Lamayne's ability to transcend musical boundaries and leave an indelible mark in various industries, making her not just an artist but a powerful and influential figure across diverse domains.
Discography
Studio albums
Colour of reign (2014)
i-Genesis (2016)
Mermaids and stuff (2021)
Set In Stone (2022)
EPs
I.V (2018)
Job woods (2018)
Singles
2015
Moja (featuring Wtf)
Jungle Fever
Ice Cream (Remix) featuring Khuli Chana
2016
Ghetto Funk (Coke Studio South Africa: Season 2
Feeling Myself (Coke Studio South Africa: Season 2
Is'gubhu (featuring Duncan)
2017
Lobola (featuring Maraza)
2018
Bozza (featuring Kwesta)
Twinkle (featuring Londie London)
Iphupho
2019
The Rap Up
Koze Kube Nini (featuring Eminent Fam)
Fufa (featuring King Monada)
U.N.I.T.Y (featuring Rouge & Mz Kiss)
2020
My Body (Stand Up) featuring GoodLuck
Slaap Tiger (featuring NaakMusiq & Just Bheki)
Stocko
Mojo Jojo (featuring Bri Biase)
2021
Fxck Everybody
Awards
Gigi Lamayne's prowess in the South African hip-hop scene has been consistently recognized, with notable achievements in various awards.
She clinched the title of Best Female at the South African Hip Hop Awards not just once, but twice, in both 2013 and 2014, cementing her status as a leading female figure in the industry.
Her talent also shone in the Jack Scouts challenge endorsed by Jack Daniel's, where she emerged victorious in both 2013 and 2015. The accolades came with exciting rewards, including a trip to Miami, underlining her success on an international scale.
The year 2022 marked another milestone in Gigi's career as she secured the title of Rap/Hip Hop Artist of the Year, a testament to her enduring impact and relevance in the ever-evolving world of hip-hop.