Gigi Lamayne in collaboration to pay homage to Menzi Ngubane and keep his memory alive

“He was somebody that I had looked up to for the longest time”

04 July 2023 - 11:56
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Gigi says proceeds from the song will go to the Menzi Ngubane Foundation.
Gigi says proceeds from the song will go to the Menzi Ngubane Foundation.
Image: Instagram/ Gigi Lamayne

His memory will forever be etched in the minds of those who adored him as an actor. Some will remember him through his phrases in productions he starred in and rapper Gigi Lamayne has chosen to celebrate the man that was Menzi Ngubane with a song. 

Menzi Ngubane, a blend of hip-hop, amapiano and Afrobeat, is out now via Berlin-based label Paradise Sound System

Speaking to TshisaLIVE Gigi said she wanted to pay homage to the late actor who died in 2021. 

“Menzi Ngubane was a seasoned actor and thespian. He was somebody that I had looked up to for the longest time and I think the only regret that I have is not getting to actually meet him.”

Gigi says she had been biding her time to make the song after the legendary actor's death because she wanted the tribute to be as authentic as possible.

She collaborated with artists Robot Boii, Lady Du, MustBeDubz and Ntosh Gazi.

“With Lady Du she is a very fierce woman in the entertainment space. She speaks her mind and she can go up against the boys. Robot has built a name for himself. He is somebody who was rooted in hip-hop just like me and he has created a name for himself in the entertainment industry, dance culture , the music culture. He's got his podcast going on as well. Ntosh had the biggest song John Vuligate when amapiano was on the rise. He is very much into the old school, Sowetan vibe. All three of them are like A-list artists.”

Gigi says they contacted the Menzi Ngubane foundation and some of the proceeds from the song will go to the foundation and what the veteran actor stood for.

“There are many things he was involved in in the communities and even after his death his beautiful wife and children are continuing that legacy. So it's not just a song that we re going in and we are telling ourselves it's going to be this big thing. It's a work of art that's going to produce charity work, opportunities for other people and it's also going to keep his memory alive.”

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