"I'm not easily satisfied-Gigi LaMayne"


I am not easily satisfied

In August this year she dropped her much anticipated mixtape titled “Colour of Reign” with a packed line up of features including Zakwe, Infa, Rashid, Siya Shezi, Tumi, Kabomo, L-Tido and Tuxman to name a few. She has been nominated for the SAHHA 2014 “Best Mixtape” and Best Female” Categories, having won the previous year.


Her poem “Valentine’s Day” was published on the Poetry Institute of Africa over 5 years ago and her life changed

“Wow, that is what made me and that dream that I had back then is the same dream that inspires me now! Circles have changed in terms of my musical horizons and I find that I have quality friends and acquaintances around me in terms of my wellbeing. I am thoroughly blessed to have evolved from way back then to what I am now. My friends and family have seen me through and I hope that little girl can make all of them proud in time.”

My transition from poetry to rap should be blamed on her mother. “Oh I love her to bits, she listened to a lot of Salt and Pepa and she often was intrigued by spoken song. One day I was trying it out, and she gave me a cover by Tracy Chapman. It worked so well and I enjoyed it. It is at this point that I thoroughly evolved into Gigi LaMayne.”

It’s been a long journey “and I do know that people in my circle saw something in me that other people didn’t and that was a timeless talent. They remain close to me as they gave me a chance when nobody else did. I was always an artist first then a networker last and soon enough I had to accept the relevance of networking. “

Her Love for Hip Hop “It kinda played a healer throughout the hectic points in my life. A girl has to eat by my primary reasons for doing hip hop, was never to get paid. We just need to open Leigh way for hip hop artists to get paid just as well as artists in other genres. But I would never leave Hip Hop for anything else. Sorry, I’m here to stay. I’m young and I think I have what it takes to make a relevant and fulfilling contribution to the art.”

Hip Hop and Females-A huge shout out goes to my sisters UV Ray, Yoliswa, Ntsiki Mazwai and 2LEE. These women have mothered me and shown me the ropes. They have really taken it upon themselves to show me who and what I SHOULD BE. I am humbled by that. I am the one dramatically in need of assistance and help. They have heeded my call.

Know the business-“It is very important. Talent is not enough to get you anywhere. You need a mind for business and a heart for music. These are the main components to it all. You can’t ignore the corporate side forever.”

What I would like to see happen in the South African Hip Hop scene? “Space made for new artists or we WILL force our way in. I would like to see Hip Hop being taken seriously with the corporates as it is one of the fastest growing genres in the world. I would like the petty arguments over what is better between commercial and underground, to stop. We aren’t moving by fighting each other and that is why many of us die unsuccessful in our ventures. We tend to think Hip hop is about fighting. Fighting with Each other? For what? We need to think broadly now!”

Future Plans “I’m planning to infiltrate so much that it bugs people. So much that they know me enough to search for my music. Need to get Colour of reign”out there still. More shows, more money. I am planning to be at every event I can that will be beneficial to my team and me. This hustle will never be enough. I’m not easily satisfied.”

Follow Gigi LaMayne on twitter 
 
Remember you can vote for Gigi to win at the SAHHAs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TheNASHmag Ed.
Tania Moeng
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