Influence Profile
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Trending in Gigi Lamayne’s World
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Bozza
Released Nov 26, 2018
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Quick Facts
Born
1994
1994
From
South Africa
South Africa
Journey
Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney, stage name Gigi Lamayne, born on 7 July 1994 in Lenasia, Johannesburg, is a South African hip-hop artist, poet, songwriter, television personality, and entrepreneur recognized for combining lyrical precision with socially conscious storytelling. Emerging from Johannesburg’s competitive underground rap scene, she developed an interest in poetry at age 11 before transitioning into rap during her teenage years. Her early literary work was published through the Poetry Institute of Africa, laying the foundation for the introspective writing style that later became central to her music.
She attended Dominican Convent School in Johannesburg and later earned a degree in Media and Anthropology from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University), graduating with four distinctions while simultaneously building a recording career. Her academic achievements became widely publicized in South Africa and reinforced her reputation as an artist who balanced education with commercial success.
Her professional breakthrough came after participating in national talent competitions, including the Sprite Uncontainable Festival and the Jack Daniel’s Music Scouts competition, which she won. In 2014, she released the mixtape "Colour Reign," followed by commercially successful singles such as “Ice Cream,” “Jungle Fever,” and “Lobola.” These releases established her as one of the leading female voices in South African hip hop. She later signed with labels including Mabala Noise and Ambitiouz Entertainment while expanding her catalogue through releases such as "iGenesis," "VI," "Jobs Woods," "Mermaids and Stuff," and "Set In Stone."
Known for her versatility, Gigi Lamayne incorporates elements of boom bap, trap, African rhythms, spoken word, and amapiano into her music. Her lyrical influences include Tupac Shakur, Jean Grae, Bob Marley, and Brenda Fassie. Beyond music, she has worked as a presenter, voice-over artist, podcaster, actress, and fashion collaborator, including partnerships with Puma, Avon, Fenty Africa, and Rock & Co Footwear, where she became one of the first South African female rappers to launch a footwear collection.
Throughout her career, Lamayne has received multiple South African Hip Hop Awards, including Best Female Artist, alongside recognition from the Basadi in Music Awards and other industry platforms. She has also become an advocate for female representation in African hip hop, often speaking publicly about gender equity, artistic independence, and youth empowerment. Her influence extends beyond entertainment through philanthropic initiatives and mentorship programs aimed at supporting emerging creatives and disadvantaged communities.