Who is Lex LaFoy?
Lex LaFoy is a female rap artist, performer, writer, baby-mama, leader and creative. Originally form Durban; I’ve been staying in JSec for just over two and a half years now. I love chilling with the kids- they inspire me. Adults can be weird at times, it must be all those preconceptions messing with us.
How did you get your AKA?
In 2004 I took on the name Leigh.L (Only Zulu Boy still calls me that) when I first stepped to the stage and cyphers. A couple of months later, I adopted the name Lexikon, after searching for a name I felt resonance with and in 2013 I became Lex LaFoy- Shortening Lexikon to Lex, and adding my Maternal surname La Foy to my alias. Lex means ‘law’ in Latin by the way.
What made you choose the career that you are doing now?
It has always been there. I just chose to be obedient to it. I was born singing and would put on little performances as a child. I started writing songs, poetry and stories when I first started to write (at around the age of 6), and have always done this. I kept it secret for a long time, usually convincing cousins or friends to do it with me or back me up. In High School I’d perform with my girlfriends in assembly and for events. In matric (2004) I came out in the Durban Hip Hop Scene.
Tell us more about your typical day.
Mm. Interesting. I have this I’m-just-traveling-through attitude, so things change a lot. On my me days (when I’m not on another hustle), I get up, Give Thanks, do some exercise, tidy up. If I’m hungry I’ll eat. I haven’t gotten my mobile wi fi yet, so for now I visit my favourite coffee shops and do some admin. I split my time between the hustle, rehearsals, studio, performances, reading, planning new ways to blossom, living healthy and spending time with family. When I get a moment, I visit my fam in Durban.
What do you do when you are not doing what you regularly do?
When I first arrived in JSec I was doing promotions on the side. Then I worked at Living Room (Maboneng), where I started working at the door, and left doing events and admin. Right now I also teach English to people overseas 4 days a week, while funding Lex. It’s rad. It helps my writing and keeps me in touch with the world. Plus I get to use their internet. Haha
Tell us about the best part of your work.
There is an indescribable joy I feel doing what I love. I do what I do because I love it. The multi-form hustle is a means to an end. Ash-Leigh supports Lex and vice versa.
How do you prepare for a performance?
I used to be uber ritualistic. Now I’ve cut my prep down to the basics. I like going jogging at least 24 hours before. I stretch and warm up. I Give Thanks. Chant a few positive words and Jump around to get my energy flowing. A smile from Doowap usually gives me that extra OOMPH.
Where do you see yourself/your work in the next 3 / 5 years from now?
Inshallah/Thankfully In 3-5 years’ time I will have performed on every continent, and established myself as the most successful female rap artist to have emerged out of South Africa. I’d like to be taking care of my fam by then: Babies to elders. And lastly, I will have opened an Art School in my home city Durban and published a children’s book.
What songs best describes your work ethic?
They always tell me nobody's working as hard as you
And even though I laugh it off man, it's probably true
- Light Up, Drake 2010
And
5 o'clock in the morning. Where you gonna be?
(Outside on the corner)
You better get yourself together
- 5 o clock, Nonchalant 1995
What do you think about the most when you are alone in your room?
I think about my family. I’m reminded that although I’m away from a wider network, I still belong to one.
What is your least favorite thing about humanity?
Forgetfulness. We were in the car a few weeks ago, having a conversation about Self, when my friend mentioned this awesome show on radio. So we turned the radio on, and right there and then, the speaker said “It’s not who we were that matters. But who we are. We must never forget who we are”. The speaker is a Sangoma woman. Hash tag divine synchronicity
Albany or Sasko Bread and why?
This one’s funny. I don’t eat white bread. My bodytemple rejects it. I like Albany brown as a basic. I also like whole-wheat, rye and honey & seed bread. In fact, the best bread I tasted was in Berlin, it was a whole-wheat loaf with carrot, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. That was delish
If you were 80 years old, what would you tell your children?
Magical stories of Queen Shalabeama and the Star Children… Firstly.
Then I’d tell them the same things I tell the youngens now- That they can be who they want to be and that all things are possible. I’ll also tell them my favourite bedtime story, how I met and married my King… When I eventually do.
I also look forward to exchanging knowledge with them and just sharing. Laughter, wisdom, smiles and love... Like my relationship with my elders is now.
If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you, and why?
I’d want my daughter to play me. If she doesn’t want to, one of my other family babies can. Because they are me. Well, at least part-me. If they don’t want to I’d know her when I meet her.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
I recently moved house, and my new landlord hasn’t been out much in Joburg (He’s also from Durban). I took him past Maboneng for the first time, and he said in a totes Durban Indian accent: “Oi my Gaawd. This is Joburg CBD?!!!!”. It was hilarious. I relive this moment a lot lately, telling people the dealio.
Where would you go in a time machine?
Back to Kemet
Pepsi or Coke?
None. I don’t drink any of those. I’m a water, fruit juice and milkshake girl
Are you messy or a neat freak?
I love order
Are you a night owl or morning person?
Both. As long as I have sufficient rest on either side. 24 hour days are no joke. It takes a while to recover.
As you answer this question, what colour socks are you wearing?
Grey shuffles
If you were having a dinner party and could invite three famous people, who would they be?
Lauren Hill, Helena Bonham Carter and Maddie Ziegler
Which three things would you save from a fire in your house?
My Laptop, My favourite hoodie poncho and my books
What is your favorite holiday spot/food/gadget?
I love going to Port St Johns. My fam and I have been going there since I was a child. I love the natural combo: Ocean, River and Mountains all in one space. Overseas though, I look forward to visiting Venice one day
I don’t have just one. I’ve been known to be a bit silly (I take things lightly, and laugh them off). The latest one was banging my head on the table in studio. I totes miscalculated how far the table was from my head.
Last gift you gave someone?
I’m in the process of having a dashiki hoody made for someone as a birthday gift.
If this is our last ever conversation, what words of wisdom would you leave me with?
Never lose touch of your original self. Let your child-Self leave your adult-Self reminders of how awesome you’ve always been. Don’t believe the disbelief of others. Your mind is a creational field and you can manifest what you want in Divine alignment and will. You are special. You are love and you are important. The universe needs you.
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