By: Natasha Archary
Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney, better known by her stage name Gigi Lamayne is firing up the charts on the Ultimate Kaya 959 Top 30.
The rapper is now host of the first African music chart show on TikTok. Defying all odds in the male-dominated hip hop space Gigi dropped her album Mermaids and Stuff in July. Her chart show kicked off on the video content platform in September and things are looking up for the 27-year old artist.
She shares with DJ Keyez how incredibly blessed she has been despite the Covid-19 pandemic hitting the industry so hard. Grateful for the opportunities that have come her way, Gigi has previously opened up about her mental health struggles.
“I did disappear last year and I think a lot of people saw it. And no, I wasn’t going through a depressive state but I needed to get out of Johannesburg. I went on a spiritual journey to find myself and it was a priceless time which will stay with me,” Gigi Lamayne told DJ Keyez.
The decision to take some time off and focus on her spirituality came after she got physically ill. Traditional medication was not helping her and when she started “seeing things” she knew it was time to explore traditional healing.
She’s proud of her African heritage and culture and has embraced her journey as a healer.
Music aside Gigi has a lingerie brand Le Jardin which she launched in August 2020. She also has a skincare and bath product range call Agua Products which are natural products.
With multiple revenue streams, the goal is to secure the bag and she remains determined and driven.
Her song Sosobala featuring Sho Madjozi taken off her album Mermaids and Stuff is now out and the track had Gigi reconnecting with her roots.
The album is her last conventional hip hop offering as she doesn’t feel the genre is serving her anymore.
“It’s such a draining industry. SA hip hop is in shambles and I don’t think I’m the one that’s going to save it. I don’t want to be involved in the mudslinging and the competition.”


