South African rapper Gigi Lamayne refuses to let online negativity define her. The 30-year-old musician, whose real name is Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney, has faced relentless social media criticism—especially about her appearance. However, she remains determined to rise above the hate and focus on her music.
Gigi recently trended on social media after her boyfriend, musician Sizwe Moeketsi (popularly known as Sizwe Alakine), defended her when podcasters referred to her as a “downgrade.” Despite the negativity, she has learned to stay resilient.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Gigi shared how she’s coped with online criticism over the years.
“I have been desensitised to the noise online. I think since my coming into the industry, because I’m a dark-skinned, short young woman, I’ve been prone to bullying,” she said.
She no longer allows negative comments to affect her.
“I don’t read comments. I don’t look for them because the story is never really the same. For me right now, social media is to connect with people who love and care for me and give time and music to those people,” she added.
Gigi admitted that in the past, online negativity used to bother her, but she’s grown beyond it.
“Two years ago, I would have been shaken by social media. Not anymore. Those people—we will never meet them. That’s the sad reality. There’s no address.”
Through all the ups and downs, Gigi has remained focused on her music. She is set to release a new album, Doves and Scones, on Friday, 28 March.
“It’s basically about saying goodbye to the old Gigi Lamayne. We experience doves and scones at a funeral, so it’s like saying RIP to the old me,” she explained.
With a fresh outlook and a new album on the way, Gigi Lamayne is embracing her growth and inspiring others through her music.
“I think my approach is different and distinct now. I’m trying to be as inspiring as possible and bring back the love for hip-hop storytelling,” she said.
