Legacy and Longevity: Gigi Lamayne On Leaving a Mark For Herself and Black Girls Like Her
Multi-award-winning musician, businessperson, creative visionary, wellness advocate, and child of God are just some of the titles held by Gigi Lamayne. Born Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney, the multi-hyphenate has come a long way since starting out as an 11-year-old girl with nothing but a love for words and the desire to excel in every undertaken discipline, prompting an evolution which chiseled her into a decorated rapper, a dedicated entrepreneur, a vocal social activist, and a mbokodo moving in silence while giving the word “powerhouse” a richer and more nuanced definition.
Spurred on by the desire to leave an indelible mark and sustained by the goad of purpose, Gigi has, over the years, morphed into an exemplary representation of excellence, serving as a point of reference not only for black girls to look up to but also for the future version of herself. Whether she’s doing it with the mic and the music or pulling the strings behind the scenes to edify her subordinates with mentorship programs, building a lasting legacy has remained a core objective for Gigi through the times.
Gigi Lamayne | SUPPLIED
“Honestly, I think my biggest drive is legacy. I always say, I wasn’t put on this Earth just to exist — I was placed here to shift something. Whether that’s through a verse, a business venture, or even just showing another black girl that she can be loud, layered, spiritual, street-smart and corporate, all in one breath. I wake up because I know that every day I’m building something bigger than me.
“I’m also powered by purpose. I’ve seen the highs of fame and the lows of doubt, and through all of that, I’ve learnt that real fulfillment comes from being in alignment — with your gift, your God, your goals. So when I’m on a stage, launching a new product, or mentoring a young woman in music, I know it’s not just for applause. It’s for impact. It’s legacy in motion. So I show up for that little girl who had big dreams in a world that told her to pick just one. I wake up for her. And I hustle for the woman I’m still becoming.
“And hey, I won’t lie — a little bit of spite helps too. Sometimes, proving people wrong is just the bonus track to proving yourself right,” she said.
Gigi Lamayne | SUPPLIED
Accomplished as she already is, Gigi maintained that as much as she is thankful for the glory and the successes accumulated overtime, she was still looking ahead for more and to tear down all restrictions inhibiting her growth. Already looking at the possibility of expanding her newly founded wellness therapy business IV Zeal into the realms of tourism and tinkering with going abroad to consolidate her position as a businessperson with overseas collaborations, resting on her laurels has been the furthest thing in Gigi’s mind set on building an empire.
“I’m incredibly grateful for everything I’ve built so far. From music to business to advocacy, each venture has been a reflection of a different layer of Gigi. I always say I’m a brand before I’m a band — so whether it’s dropping bars or vitamin drips at IV Zeal, it’s all part of the bigger picture. Am I satisfied? Yes. But am I done? Never.
“I’ve had the privilege of doing things I once dreamed about — launching platforms like Gigiverse to spotlight African creatives, pushing boundaries with every album, and stepping into rooms that weren’t built for women like me… and painting them Gigi-pink! So, looking ahead, I’m really excited to scale up my ventures globally. I’m eyeing more international brand partnerships, expanding IV therapy into wellness tourism, and launching educational platforms that fuse spirituality, creativity, and business for the youth. Oh, and don’t be surprised if you catch me in a film or owning a vineyard — because why not? We’re building empires, not just albums,” she said.
Gigi Lamayne | SUPPLIED
As with the construction of all empires, the undertaking is always one fraught with difficulties, criticisms, and setbacks that are always mitigated by the presence of trustworthy comrades and guidance. It is a road never walked alone, and trusted companions not only make this daring ambition worthwhile to take on, but they make the journey bearable. For Gigi, she found all this in rapper and amapiano star Sizwe Alakine (formerly known as Reason among the hip-hop fraternity).
From posting cute couple snaps on their respective IG pages to accompanying each other and sharing the stages together courtesy of their shared journey as musicians, Lamayne spoke about the importance of having Alakine in her life, not just personally but also on a creative level.
“Honestly, being with someone like him — who understands both the industry and the intimacy — is a game-changer. There’s a difference between someone watching you work and someone working with you. With Sizwe, it’s both. He sharpens my hustle but also softens my edges when I need it most. And that’s rare.
“In music, our chemistry is just — magic. It’s not forced. It’s not “let’s do a track together because we’re trending.” It’s “let’s build legacy, let’s tell stories, let’s shake the culture.” He challenges me creatively, but also gives me space to be my full self, which in this game, is priceless. And believe me, I’m a handful — so credit to the man!
“Outside the fame? He reminds me I’m still just Gigi. The girl who loves a good laugh, sneakers over heels, and long talks about God, purpose, and world domination (you know, the usual couple convos!). He helps me slow down when the world wants me in overdrive, and that balance? That’s the real flex. So yeah — he’s not just my partner in rhyme… he’s my partner in real life. And that makes every “grind” a little more graceful,” she said.
Gigi Lamayne and Sizwe Alakine (from left to right) | SUPPLIED
Many know Gigi as a dynamic rapper, but she revealed that the fame and glamour of the lights weren’t the greatest part of her life. Instead, it was her relationship with God. The star recently celebrated the spiritual milestone of being formally baptised on her Instagram. Describing God as her best manager – with no disrespect to her team, she admitted – she conceded that her divine relationship with God has been vital not only in healing but in strengthening her pursuits
Speaking of the momentous occasion of baptism, Lamayne spoke about the importance of God in her life, and how her relationship with Jesus has helped her remain grounded in an industry where everything she does is under the spotlight.
“Yoh, getting baptised was such a deep, beautiful, and necessary step in my journey — not just as an artist, but as Genesis, the woman behind Gigi Lamayne. I think people forget that while I’m out there performing, shooting content, or running businesses, I’m also someone constantly seeking peace, purpose and grounding. My relationship with God has been a real evolution. I’ve always been spiritual, I’ve explored a lot, and I’ve asked hard questions. But in the quiet moments — away from the lights, the tours, and the noise — it’s always been Jesus who brings me back to myself. Baptism felt like a reset. Not a finish line, but a beginning.
“Faith has made me more intentional. More in tune with what I attach my name to, who I partner with, and how I show up for my team, my fans and myself. It’s also made me laugh more — because you realize you’re not in control, He is! I’m learning that I don’t have to be everywhere, do everything, or prove myself to anyone. I just have to stay aligned with purpose. And if I can run my businesses, drop bars, and still make time for Bible study? Then listen, that’s grace and hustle!” she said.
Gigi getting baptised | SUPPLIED
Genesis also touched on her complicated relationship with her earthly father, speaking about the complexity of balancing the precepts of Christianity, which highlight forgiveness, and keeping things in a relatively preserved state between the two of them.
“Growing up, my relationship with my father was… let’s say, layered. Like an onion. Or a really unpredictable hip-hop verse — you never quite know what’s coming next. There were moments of hurt, silence, and confusion. But also, moments that taught me resilience, independence, and a strange kind of emotional strength that I now wear like spiritual armor.
“Now, stepping into my Christian journey — and understanding its teachings about forgiveness, grace, and restoration — it’s been a real balancing act. But I always say, God doesn’t call the perfect. He calls the willing. And I’ve been willing to learn, to unlearn, and to heal. So yes, I’m still learning to navigate that relationship with my father, but I’m doing it with a lot more compassion and a lot less ego. And that’s a win, both spiritually and emotionally,” she said.
Gigi Lamayne | SUPPLIED
When not being a busy bee, Gigi spoke about what she got up to.
“Ah, the elusive “downtime” — I chase it like it’s a limited-edition sneaker drop! Honestly, I wear so many hats, sometimes I forget I’ve got a head under there too. But when I do get a moment to myself, I become that girl — the one who still writes in her journal like it’s a secret RnB track, plays old-school video games, and binge-watches conspiracy theory documentaries like I’m training to join the FBI.
“Growing up, I was always that artsy, slightly weird kid who found joy in storytelling — whether it was through poetry, drawing, or even pretending I had my own radio show (which, in hindsight, might’ve been foreshadowing). That love for words and creating worlds never left me.
“I also still cook when I can — it’s therapeutic. There’s just something grounding about making a good meal with your own two hands, no cameras, no mic, no beat — just vibes and maybe a little too much garlic. And let’s be real, every now and then I just want to be in sweats, bonnet on, eating cereal at odd hours of the night, rewatching The Proud Family like I don’t have three campaigns and a studio session waiting. But those quiet moments? That’s where I recharge the Gigi battery. Because even a powerhouse needs to plug into peace sometimes,” she said.