This year started off on a high note for Gigi Lamayne.
It seemed almost everything she had on her cards came to fruition, including reclaiming her Queen of Hip Hop throne and finding love.
In addition to being a musician, a reality TV star and a shoe brand owner, the rapper has also become a podcaster and the face of international brands including Chateau Del Rei and now recently Afro Slim.
To her, these wins are a representation of “the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a true passion for music. It's a validation of my artistic expression and a testament to the incredible team that supported me. These achievements remind me to never give up on my dreams, and they inspire me to continue pushing boundaries in my craft.”
When she released her debut mixtape at the age of 16 and she finally dropped an album at the age of 20, Gigi Lamayne, born Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney, never thought she would get this successful in her career.
“I never imagined I'd achieve the level of success and recognition I have today. It's been an incredible journey filled with hard work, dedication and a bit of luck along the way. I am grateful for all the support from my fans and the opportunities that have come my way,” she says.
Read More | New Menzi Ngubane song a queen reclaiming her crown, rather than a comeback says Gigi Lamayne
Not only has the award-winning musician added more titles under her name, but she has also taken her craft to the world with her recent single called ‘Let My People Go’ with international DJ and music producer Megatronic under a Berlin-based music label, Paradise sound system.
The experience of going global has been one that’s “humbling and exhilarating” for her.
After being nominated at the second annual Basadi In Music awards, she also secured another nomination at the National Film and TV awards for best female personality in Love and Hip-Hop SA.
Telling Drum more about it, she says, “I feel deeply honored and grateful to be nominated for an NFTA award. Bringing the award back home would not only be a personal achievement, but also a testament to the support and encouragement of my fans, colleagues, and team. It would be a moment of immense pride and motivation to continue pushing boundaries in my work.”
This is not all that the reality TV star has been up to though. She was recently announced as the ambassador for a cosmetic wellness brand called Afro Slim international.
To her supporters, this was the answer to why and how she got her summer body, losing 11kg of unwanted fat in just three months.
“I have gone through a whole body transformation for health reasons. Afro slim as an African health and beauty alternative, it feels like home because it caters to my genetic make-up and suitable bodily needs. I’m thankful for the international partnership. At the end of the day, it is about a holistic quality of life,” she shares with Drum.
Even with all her wins this year, Gigi recently had to face the loss of her partner Liberty Mike Mhlanga whose stage name was YBK.
Read More | Gigi Lamayne mourns her 'forever babe' as YBK passes away - 'I'm in pain'
Although she isn’t ready to delve into the grief at the moment, she says she’s grateful for the support and love that she’s been shown for the past few weeks.
“I'd say it's my passion for creating music and connecting with my fans that keeps me going, even during the toughest times. The power of music to inspire, heal, and bring people together is something that continuously motivates me to push through challenges and keep pursuing my artistic journey.
“Additionally, the support and love from my fans provide me with the strength and encouragement to overcome any obstacles that come my way,” she adds.
Despite all that life has thrown at her, the 29-year-old is still going strong in her journey as a sangoma as well.
She was only 11 years old when she discovered her spiritual calling, but it wasn’t until 2020 when she responded to it.
Now as a practicing sangoma, she says the toughest lessons she’s had to learn are balance and patience.
“Balancing my public life with my spiritual responsibilities can be challenging, and learning to trust the timing of the universe has been crucial. It's been a transformative journey, filled with growth and a deeper connection to my purpose.”
In the walks of her life, many things have been rewarding for her and opening herself up to more opportunities and diverse audiences is what Gigi is looking forward to.
For the rest of the year though, her efforts are still directed to fully reclaiming her crown in the game.
