A star-studded finale party was held last Friday at Turbine Hall in Newtown after a tightly fought contest, in which 3 talented finalists battled it out for the top spot of the Jack Daniel’s Music Scouts 2014.

Rising Hip Hop talent Gigi LaMayne was announced the winner, and she featured in a unforgettable line-up that included Khuli Chana, the legendary DJ Ganyani and T-Bo Touch, who were also the JD Music Scouts for the competition.

Known for her charismatic stage presence and her lyrical mastery, Gigi LaMayne had the audience of celebrities, socialites and media in the palm of her hand.

 

Touch described her performance as “pure art”, and Khuli Chana said, “She performed like a superstar.

DJ Ganyani added that her performance was “fearless, original and her rapping was on point”.

A clearly delighted LaMayne said:

“I never expected to get to the finals, let alone win. I’m glad to have been the first female Hip Hop act and the youngest, to win among so many submissions! It still hasn’t sunken in and I hope that this win remains as a source of motivation to other young people in and around my community.”

Speaking about the dynamic trio – Touch, Khuli Chana and Ganyani – who were the competition mentors, she added,

“They were extremely supportive and I feel that they contributed tremendously to the crafts of all the finalists involved.”

This epic campaign, which kicked off in August in partnership with the JD Music Scouts, provided a platform to countless aspiring musicians at 140 regional warm-up gigs. Thus continuing Jack’s love affair with music by helping showcase up-and-coming artists creating their own authentic sounds.

Nominated from a combination of public votes via the Jack Daniel’s Facebook page and valuable input from the JD Music Scouts themselves, the grassroots level search has uncovered some of South Africa’s most inspiring talent.

LaMayne will now have the life-changing opportunity to travel to the US next year to experience the Miami Music Conference, one of the most publicised annual music gatherings in the world.

“Thank you so much to the Jack Daniel’s team and Scouts for this life-changing event. There are not many corporates giving back to the Hip Hop culture. Thank you for such a huge investment into youth culture. Ngiyabonga,” LaMayne concluded.

Check out Jack Scouts to catch up on all the latest news.