Up Close And Personal With Gigi Lamayne.
2X SAHHA winner Gigi Lamayne has been on the come up for the past 4 years and can now safely say she is now in the mainstream after dropping the video to her hit song ‘Ice Cream Remix’ which features King Khuli and was produced by the Mix Masters. We got to interview her about her career, the music she listens to and her future plans:
Question: Describe yourself in 5 words?
Answer: Talented, ambitious, workaholic, visionary, humble
Question: What hip-hop albums did you grow up listening to?
Answer: I grew up listening to Eminem, Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot and Tupac.
Question: Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favourite musicians?
Answer: My biggest influence were Eminem, Tupac, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill and Michael Jackson. My favourite musicians are J. Cole, Eminem, Khuli Chana, Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, to name but a few.
Question: The Ice Cream Remix video has been out for almost 4 weeks now, has the response surprised you in any way?
Answer: The response for the Ice Cream Remix video has been overwhelming and humbling, I really appreciate all the love I’m receiving. Honestly I didn’t expect so much support, the response did surprise me.
Question: What stands out when you listen to it now?
Answer: The hook is most catchy at the moment. Everywhere I perform, people just sing along. The beat is bananas and the Afrikaans part made all the difference.
Question: In what ways has your newest music changed from when you first started?
Answer: I have grown and my music has matured with me, but it’s still the same Gigi LaMayne. Most people are only catching up now, 2 awards later.
Answer: How do you prepare for your shows?
Answer: I prepare differently for different shows. Sometimes I use a DJ, other times I use an MPC, hype man and dancers. Whatever the show is, we rehearse everyday.
Question: Did you always know you wanted a career in Showbiz?
Answer: The first time I fell in love with music I knew there and then that I was destined for the showbiz. Music is my first love, even I didn’t do it as a career I’d still do it.
Answer: So tell us, how did you meet Khuli Chana?
Answer: I was a competitor at the Jack Daniels Scout 2014, which I eventually won, and Khuli Chana was one of the three judges. Needless to say Khuli Chana was very impressed by my performance, hence I’m now part of the Dream Team SA family. The rest is history.
Question: What are your thoughts on the current state of the game?
Answer: The current state of SA Hip Hop is very healthy, we have a lot of rappers doing big things; from selling gold albums to winning multiple awards to endorsements to international tours. There are a lot of rappers eating at the same time, unlike in the past where we always had one rapper or group eating at a time.
Question: You will always be compared to other artists. How do you set yourself apart from other female rappers like Fifi Cooper?
Answer: There’s only one Gigi LaMayne. When you compare AKA to Cassper, you don’t say “Male Rappers”, then why are we always judged or compared based on our gender? We don’t use our boobs on the mic. If you got skills you got skills, period. I’m not a female rapper, I’m a rapper who happens to be female.
Question: What is the most common misconception that comes with being a female rapper?
Answer: “Female rappers” are usually judged on sex appeal and looks, overlooking skills.
Question: What issues are you most concerned about in the industry?
Answer: Right now I’m just having fun, enjoying my music, appreciating all the love and support. I try by all means to avoid the industry politics and unnecessary beef. Currently my biggest concern is cementing my position in the music industry.
Question: Talk about Gigi the student?
Answer: I’m doing my final year at Wits year and 2015 has been the toughest year for me, trying to balance school and my music career. Dream Team SA has my time table, so they always make that my studies don’t get affected.
Question: What surprises you about your audience?
Answer: My audience always shows me love wherever I perform. Every performance is memorable experience. It’s very surprising because I’m still fresh in the music industry.
Question: Are you dating anyone?
Answer: No I’m not dating anyone at the moment. My studies and music career are already hectic, I can’t add a boyfriend to that equation.
Question: Top 5 places to hang-out in Jozi?
Answer: Maboneng District, Braamfontein, Melville, Newtown and Soweto.
Question: What do you do for fun?
Answer: Music is my fun, whether I’m recording, writing or performing. I also like eating out at restuarants with my friends.
Question: Which one of your female contemporaries do you listen to most?
Answer: I listen to everyone all the time, just to stay current and updated.
Question: Your top 5 S.A Hip Hop acts?
Answer:
1. Gigi LaMayne
2. Khuli Chana
3. Cassper Nyovest
4. Riky Rick
5. AKA
Question: Can you give us your Greatest Of All Time list dead or alive?
Answer:
SA – 1. Tumi
2. Proverb
3. Khuli Chana
4. Pro
5. Zakwe
INTERNATIONAL – 1. Eminem
2. Tupac
3. Nas
4. Biggie
5. J. Cole
Question: What can we expect from Gigi in the 2nd half of 2015?
Answer: In the 2nd half of 2015 you can expect another single from Gigi LaMayne, plus features on other artists’ songs.
Question: What advice would you give rappers on the come up?
Answer: My advice to the up and coming rappers is; work on your talent all the time, invest in your craft, network and hustle. No matter how much love you get, stay humble.
Question: Where can your fans reach you?
Answer: Gigi LaMayne on Facebook
@gigi_lamayne on Twitter and Instagram
