Gigi Lamayne Interview

Please tell us, who is Gigi Lamayne?

Gigi Lamayne is a soldier stuck in a little girl’s body. She is the epitome of female rap in Africa and an aspiring young female entrepreneur. She is the daughter to a cancer survivor and a sister to the nation.

What motivated you to start writing music?

As a BA(Gen) student at Wits university, I have always been interested in writing culture from my first poem titled “Valentine’s day” being published at the age of 11 at The Poetry Institute of Africa up to now. It just so happened that my family were fans of Hip Hop, Jazz, Reggae and Soul. I just fell in love with storytelling and revolutionized music, looking up to artists like Bob Marley, Tupac, Brenda Fassie and Michael Jackson. Hip Hop allows for everyone to tell their story whether on a social level or as an individual and before I knew it, music was my best friend.

How did the first collaboration with Tumi come about?

I’ve always looked up to Tumi and he was organizing a special for Womens day and I so happened to rap. Tumi had seen me at numerous hip hop events so things just kind of, fell into place and I was on his Hello Kitty remix. That’s where the party was at last year but have you listened to Ice Cream yet????

Explain the concept of the music? Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I am a young black African female who’s experiences are uniquely different to other people. My music inspiration is drawn from my own experiences and the experiences of young females like me. I grew up around Lenasia, Soweto, and Yeoville. These are all uniquely different places which assisted in my musical journey with Hip Hop whether through social experience or through unique experiences I went through as a child. I believe in the fundamentals of a message, entertainment and good music. Those are the three frameworks in which Gigi LaMayne finds her inspiration along with her personal and societal experiences.

We heard you signed with Dream Team, are you still with Mix Masters?

Yes, I am currently signed to DreamTeam SA and yes I am still with Mixmasters who will be part of any musical production as always. DreamTeam are responsible for my management and everything else.

Gigi has such a cool dress sense, where do you draw your fashion inspiration from?

Really? Wow! Thank you! Well I think it’s because I feel artist are probably the most expressive people on the planet. We like to be unique. We feel we are unique. Fashion definitely inspires me. Just like a doctor wears his white coat, a chef possesses an apron and a soldier, his uniform; artists have an obligation to themselves to represent their music visually. That’s at least how I see it. Going against the trends to create your own blueprint.

Who is your inspiration?

Bob Marley, My mother, Brenda Fassie, Queen Hatchepsut of Egypt- in no particular order!

If you had to collaborate with a female vocalist from Zimbabwe, who would it be and why?

Cindy Munyavi. She’s strong in her character and in her craft. I already have her on two singles: “Lost in the Music” and “Bambezela”. If I had it my way, I wouldn’t share her with anyone else.

Whats your biggest achievement yet?

2x Best Female at The SA Hip Hop Awards.

If you were a President for one day what would you change? Why?

I would change the educational system ; add African political studies to the schooling system from High School. I feel like a nerd right now….!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

An optimistic answer would be: Being one of the most recognized acts on the continent. Representing Africa on the global stage and running both anti-bullying organizations as well as a few other business ventures to that will in the long run, contribute to the growth of the entertainment industry.

What have you learnt about pursuing your dreams?

The world owes you nothing. It’s up to you to fight for what you deserve. Never live in the shadow of anyone. Paving your own route to success is the most trying but once you have what you want, don’t stop pushing. Nobody will believe in you like the person in the mirror. Find something within to motivate your drive.

What do you dislike about fame ?

Nothing really. I gave myself to music along time ago in all spheres. Fame merely means that I am of the people and they have a connection to me. If anything I am thankful for it. It means people have begun to engage with you and what you believe in.

What can your fans expect from you in the future? are you working on anything new?

People need to expect lots of Hype and lots of new work. I am definitely where I want to be musically and my new team has allowed me to allow myself to grow and understand my musical identity. There are lots of things in store for the public.

What do you do to relax?

Listen to Eminem. I don’t think I would ever be able to live without music. It’s gotten me into and out of many things. That’s my euphoria.

Are you seeing anyone?

Yes, there’s this guy. His name is Hip Hop. 

Your advice to young people?

You only get one shot to pursue your dreams. Don’t ever miss your bus because you were too busy looking into the car dealership. Just go.