Gigi Lamayne
- Rap
- hip hop
- Rapper
- songwriter
- Mabala Noise
- Ambitiouz Entertainment
Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney[1] (born 7 July 1994), known professionally as Gigi Lamayne, is a South African rapper.
Life and career
2001–2012: Education
Lamayne attended Dominican Convent School in Johannesburg (2001–2012)[2] and started writing poetry at the age of 11. Lamayne attended Wits University and obtained a degree in Media and Anthropology.[3][4]
2010–2014: Career beginnings
Her interest in rapping began at the age of 16,[1] with assistance from Scratchbeats records, she released her first mixtape titled El Principio-16 with help from Munya "Lym C" Chanetsa, Mitchan "Pinkaso" Adams, and Clint Allin.[5] In 2013, she was a runner-up at National Sprite Uncontainable Festival[6] and competed on Shiz Niz Mixtape competition and won, before signing a record deal with Bentey Records.[7] In 2014, Lamayne was contestant at Jack Daniel's Music Scouts Competition and won.[6] She was discovered by PRO and signed her to his record label, Money First Entertainment. She won Best Female at the South African Hip Hop Awards in 2013.[8] Her first project album Colour Reign was released on October 2, 2014, produced by Tuxman.[9]
2015–2020: iGenesis, VI, Jobs Woods
In early 2015, she released her single "Ice Cream" which became successful and topped radio charts, and was later remixed by Khuli Chana. On September 15, "Jungle Fever" was released as the album's lead single and debuted at number 1 on the African Top Ten Charts.[10][11] In 2016, She signed a record deal with Mabala Noise and began to record her new album.[12]
Her debut studio album iGenesis was scheduled to be released in July 2016.[13] iGenesis was released in October 2016. The album was supported by three singles, "Jungle Fever", "Shisa" and "Is'gubhu" featuring Duncan. In December 2016, she headlined the NH7 Weekender event, which was held in Pune.[14] At the 2016 South African Hip Hop Awards, Lamayne was nominated for Best Female, Best Mixtape and the Hustler of the Year.[15] In June 23, her single "Lobola" featuring Maraza was released accompanied with a music video.[16] She headlined to Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival on June 24.[16]
In December 19, Lamayne departed with Mabala Noise.[17] In early January 2018, Lamayne signed a record deal with Ambitiouz Entertainment and released her new extended play, VI on July 13, 2018.[18] On January 29, her single "Iphupho" was released.[19] On May 17, her single "Fufu" featuring King Monada was released.[20] On February 1, her single "Bozza" featuring Kwesta was released and debuted at the summit of the Top 50 RAMS Chart.[21]
On July 26, 2019, her extended play Jobs Woods was released.[22] In April 2020, she made her screen debut on Hair Jury as a presenter, which premiered on April 1 on the Soweto TV channel.[23] In May 2020, she embarked on the Gigi Gang Show in South Africa and toured alongside Nadia Nakai, Moozlie and Boity Thulo.[24]
In March 2020, she made her screen debut on Hairy Jury as a host, which airs on Soweto TV.[25]
2021–present: Mermaids and Stuff and Set In Stone
On June 4, her single "Feelin U" featuring Blxckie and Mi Casa was released as the album's lead single.[26] On July 15, 2021, her fourth studio album Mermaids and Stuff was released and received positive reviews from music critics overall.[27] On September 17, it was announced that she would host TikTok's Africa music chart show.[28] At the 2021 Women of Wonder Awards, she won an award.[29] She received a nomination for Best Female at the 2021 annual South African Hip Hop Awards.[30]
In February 2022, she announced her fourth studio album, Set In Stone, and the release date.[31][32]
Set In Stone was released on May 20, 2020.[33] It features artists Majorsteez, Big Zulu, Busiswa, MusiholiQ, Makhadzi and Kid X.
In 2023, Lamayne made her voice acting debut in the Disney+ animated original Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire.[34]
Influences
Gigi Lamayne was inspired by the likes of Jean Grae, Bob Marley, Brenda Fassie and Tupac Shakur.[35][36]
Endorsements
In February 2017, she was announced as the ambassador of Run the Streets Campaign by Puma.[37][38]
In early February 2018, she was the ambassador of the Avon product fragrance called Free.[39]
In May 2022, she announced a partnership with Fenty Africa.[40][41]
In August 2023, Lamayne was announced as the ambassador of Afroslim International. [42]
Tours
- Gigi Gang Show (2020)
Discography
Studio albums
- Colour of reign (2014)
- i-Genesis (2016)
- Mermaids and stuff (2021)[43]
- Set In Stone (2022)
EPs
- I.V (2018)
- Job woods (2018)
Singles
As lead artist
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ZA | |||||||
"Lobola" (featuring Maraza) | 2017 | — | |||||
"Bozza" (featuring Kwesta) | 2018 | — | |||||
"Fufa" (featuring King Monada) | 2019 | — | |||||
"Koze Kube Nini" (featuring Eminent Fam) | — | ||||||
"The Rap up (2019)" | — | ||||||
"Mojo Jojo" (featuring Bri Biase) | 2020 | — | |||||
"Stocko" (Abobhuti Bendawo, Gigi Lamayne, Bospianii) | — | ||||||
"Slaap Tiger" (featuring DJ Tira, NaakMusiq, Just Bheki) | — | ||||||
"My Body (Stand up)" (Merichan, Lira, Gigi Lamayne featuring Goodluck) | — | ||||||
"Fxck Everybody" | 2021 | — | |||||
"Mashonisa" (featuring Busiswa, Makhadzi) | 2022 | — | Non-album single | ||||
"Gedlela (Gigi Lamayne, Mr Smeg featuring Lwah Ndlunkulu) | — | ||||||
"Ho Ho Ho" | |||||||
"Menzi Ngubane" (Gigi Lamayne, Lady Du, Robot Boii featuring Ntosh Gazi & Mustbedubz) | 2023 | — | |||||
"Let My People Go" (Gigi Lamayne, Megatronic) | — | Non-album single | |||||
"Qoqo" (Gigi Lamayne, Okyeame Kwame, Holy Ten) | — | ||||||
"Our Father" (No Kredit, Gigi Lamayne, Piwe357) | — | ||||||
"Please Fix" | 2024 | — | |||||
"Ayi 4" (Busta 929, Gigi Lamayne featuring Sizwe Alakine) | — | ||||||
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |
Awards
Gigi Lamayne won the best female at the South African Hip Hop Awards in 2013 and in 2014.[7] She also won the Jack Scouts challenge endorsed by Jack Daniel's in 2013 and 2015 where the winners were given prizes, including a trip to Miami.[44]
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Herself | Rap/Hip Hop Artist of the Year | Won | [45] |
National Film and Television Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Herself | Best Female Personality | Pending |
See also
References
- ^ a b Motumi, Mpiletso (2017-01-17). "Rapper Gigi grabbing the spotlight". Independent Online. Retrieved 2021-11-12.
- ^ Kekana (2016-10-20). "'I knew they were watching so I had to make it'- Gigi Lamayne". Independent Online. Retrieved 2021-11-11.
- ^ Biyela, Khosi (2016-03-30). "Gigi's academic success | Drum". South Africa: Drum. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
- ^ "Rapper Gigi Lamayne bags 4 distinctions, is top third year Wits media studies student". TimesLIVE. 2016-03-30. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
- ^ Phathi, Dineho (2016-02-12). "Gigi pours her soul into new mix-tape". Independent Online. Retrieved 2021-11-12.
- ^ a b "Gigi Lamayne | Music In Africa". Music In Africa.
- ^ a b "Award-winning rapper to of Wits class- PressReader". Retrieved 2021-11-11 – via PressReader.
- ^ "SA Hip Hop Awards 2013 Winners | Three Men On A Boat". 3-mob. 21 November 2013. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
- ^ "Colour of Reign by Gigi Lamayne on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ "Gigi Lamayne's new single hits No 1 in Nigeria". The Citizen. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
- ^ "Gigi Lamayne's Jungle Fever is taking off". Media Update. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
- ^ "Mabala Noise signs Nasty C, Gigi Lamayne and more | Channel". South Africa: Channel. Retrieved 2016-07-21.
- ^ Herimbi, Helen (2016-06-22). "The iGenesis of Gigi". Independent Online. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
- ^ Tagat, Anurag (4 December 2016). "Festival Report: Day 2, Bacardi NH7 Weekender, Pune - rollingstoneindia". rollingstoneindia. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
- ^ "Gigi Lamayne nominated for three South African Hip Hop Awards". Media Update. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
- ^ a b Baloyi, Era (2017-06-23). "Gigi Lamayne premiers music video for Lobola". quickread.co.za. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
- ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Gigi Lamayne Parts With Mabala Noise | Slikouronlife". Slikouronlife. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
- ^ Mkhabela, Sabelo. "Gigi Lamayne Gets Real About Her Deals With Mabala Noise and Ambitiouz Entertainment - OkayAfrica". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
- ^ Ntsinde, Mandisa (13 July 2018). "WATCH: Gigi Lamayne Releases Iphupho Visuals". Zkhiphani.
- ^ Mkhabela, Sabelo. "Listen to Gigi Lamayne and King Monada's New Gqom Banger 'Fufa' - OkayAfrica". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
- ^ "Gigi Lamayne's Bozza ft Kwesta a Top 50 track in country". BlazonMagazine. 2019-02-01. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
- ^ Mthethwa, Thandeka. "#LISTEN Gigi Lamayne drops Job Woods – Ayana Magazine". Ayana Magazine. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
- ^ Magadla, Mahlohonolo. "Gigi Lamayne to make presenting debut with new Soweto TV show | Drum". South Africa: Drum. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
- ^ "Gigi Lamayne announces date for upcoming edition of her Gigi Gang Show - JustNje". JustNje. 8 January 2020. Retrieved 2020-01-08.
- ^ "Gigi Lamayne to host her first show on Soweto TV - ZambiaNews365.com". ZambiaNews365. 2020-03-21. Retrieved 2022-05-20.
- ^ "Gigi Lamayne Shares New Single Featuring Blxckie and Mi Casa - OkayAfrica". OkayAfrica. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
- ^ "Gigi Lamayne's New 'Mermaids and Stuff' Album Dropped [Listen] | Hype Magazine". Hype Magazine. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
- ^ Matiwane, Nonkululeko. "Gigi Lamayne will host TikTok's first Africa music chart show | Drum". South Africa: Drum. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
- ^ Modise, Kedibone (2021-11-04). "Gigi Lamayne recognised as Wow's 'Leading Inspirational Trailblazer'". Independent Online. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
- ^ Israel A, John (3 November 2021). "2021 SA Hip Hop Awards Nomination". Ubetoo.
- ^ Gaanakgomo, Constance (2022-05-25). "Gigi Lamayne U-turns back to hip-hop with new album". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
- ^ Manjo, Theo (2022-05-17). "Gigi Lamayne's "Set In Stone" Album Drops Friday | Slikouronlife". Slikouronlife. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
- ^ "Gigi Lamayne drops long-awaited album 'Set in Stone' | Hype Magazine". Hype Magazine. 2022-05-20. Retrieved 2022-05-20.
- ^ Banda, Clive (July 5, 2023). "Gigi Lamayne Pens Emotional Note Following Disney's Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire Premiere". Sahiphopmag. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
- ^ Mokone, Tumo (8 August 2015). "Ice cream' maker Gigi Lamayne is her own woman". Sowetan LIVE. Retrieved 2021-11-11.
- ^ Ncube, Carlos (20 August 2018). "The big Gigi Lamayne interview – part 2 | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 2021-11-11.
- ^ "Nasty C, Gigi Lamayne & more star in PUMA's #RunTheStreets Campaign | YoMzansi". YoMzansi. 2017-02-20. Retrieved 2022-05-20.
- ^ "Local ambassadors star in PUMA's 'Run the Street' campaign". MediaUpdate.co.za. 2017-02-16. Retrieved 2022-05-20.
- ^ "WATCH: Gigi Lamayne bags new Avon campaign | Channel". Channel. South Africa. 2018-02-08. Retrieved 2022-05-20.
- ^ Gaanakgomo, Constance (2022-05-13). "'It's a very big honour' — Gigi Lamayne joins the Fenty Africa family". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2022-06-08.
- ^ Jabulani, John (2022-06-03). "Gigi Lamayne Partners With Rihanna's Fenty Beauty For New Shoot". Ubetoo. Retrieved 2022-06-08.
- ^ https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2023-08-30-gigi-lamayne-announced-as-ambassador-for-afroslim-international
- ^ "Dive into Gigi Lamayne's new album 'Mermaids and Stuff' [listen]". The South African. 2021-07-21. Retrieved 2021-07-23.
- ^ Mngadi, Mxolisi (2020-07-07). "Happy birthday Gigi Lamayne: 6 quick facts on the award-winning rapper". Briefly. Retrieved 2021-07-23.
- ^ Shumba, Ano (October 15, 2022). "Basadi in Music Awards 2022: All the winners". Music in Africa. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
External links
- Gigi Lamayne at AllMusic