From beats to healing: Lex LaFoy on music, meaning and making space

IOL News

3 days ago

Lex LaFoy is a rapper, poet and cultural storyteller who has spent many years mastering her craft in South Africa's hip hop scene.
Image: Umsizi Media
Lex LaFoy is more than a rapper - she's a poet, cultural storyteller and lyrical force who has spent two decades sharpening her craft in the trenches of South Africa's hip hop scene.
Formerly known as Lexikon, the Durban-born artist has redefined her sound and message with each season of her life.
In a deeply personal and expansive conversation with 'Independent Media Lifestyle', she opens up about her roots, resilience and what it truly means to live with purpose.
Born Ash-Leigh La Foy, she spent her early years in the tranquil coastal suburb of Treasure Beach in Durban's south before her family moved north, settling between Red Hill, Greenwood Park and Durban North.
Though she spent seven years living and creating in Johannesburg between 2012 and 2020, Durban remains her true home - and her creative anchor.
'I came back the day before lockdown and I've been home ever since,' she said.
Often mistaken for being of Indian descent, La Foy clarifies that her heritage is a rich and complex blend: 'I'm not Indian at all. I'm of Cantonese, English, St Helenian, Dutch, Xhosa and Griqua descent.'
Her maternal surname, La Foy, was once Foy Lai, tracing back to her great-great-grandfather from Canton in China. Amid political tension and xenophobia, the surname was altered for safety.
'My identity allows me to view the world from many perspectives - both inclusive and subjective,' she said. 'Being mixed race has taught me to find peace and purpose in an increasingly fast-paced, impermanent world. My background is my strength.'
Durban's hip hop underworld birthed La Foy's artistic journey. She cut her teeth at legendary sessions like Hip Hop Inqaba at the BAT Centre as well as Bling Free and Life Check - movements that helped shape a generation of serious lyricists.
'I came up in an era where being an MC meant you could write, freestyle and battle,' she recalled. 'The role of the MC was sacred - you had to uplift, inspire and sometimes even entertain with humour.'
Influences ranged from Jay-Z and Lauryn Hill to Lil' Kim and even Alanis Morissette. Locally, groups like Godessa and Brasse Vannie Kaap gave her a blueprint for what was possible.
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Performing as Lexikon from 2005 to 2012, her early work was spiritual, intellectual and lyrically dense. But after a painful experience with an independent label - where an entire body of recorded work was lost due to contractual disputes - she decided it was time for a rebirth.
'In 2013, I moved to Joburg and rebranded. Lexikon became Lex, and I added my surname - becoming Lex LaFoy,' she explained. 'Lexikon was the wise sage, but I also wanted to reach people more directly.'
Today, she fuses the depth of Lexikon with the versatility of Lex LaFoy. 'I've learned not to take myself so seriously. The playfulness in my music now reflects that.'
Known for her razor-sharp freestyle and battle skills, La Foy is a product of an era where mediocrity was never tolerated. 'If you were wack, you were shut down - simple as that,' she said. 'That training taught me how to read a crowd, master delivery and ensure the energy I record is the same energy I transmit on stage.'
She draws a distinction between Durban and Johannesburg's creative landscapes.
'Jozi values image - Durban values skill. We're the birthplace, the source. But our industry is underdeveloped. There's too much political interference and too little private sector involvement. It's changing slowly, thanks to young innovators, but it's a process.'
La Foy doesn't sugarcoat the struggles women face in the South African music industry. 'I've experienced all forms of abuse - physical, emotional, psychological - in spaces where men control the studios, the masters and even how your career unfolds,' she said.
Without a manager or protective male figure by her side, La Foy had to learn the hard way. 'I had to fight for my space, for my right to just be me,' she said. 'Eventually, I chose peace. I stepped away from toxic spaces and artists who lacked integrity. The industry can break you if you don't protect your spirit.'
Her advice to young women? 'Know yourself. Protect your peace. Don't let anyone define you - especially in this industry. And in the words of the late AKA, 'Don't forget to pray.''
'I no longer separate the poet from the rapper,' she said. 'They've made peace with each other. The poet shapes the rhyme scheme, the cadence - it's all one now.'
Her latest single, "FRISK", is a perfect example of that fusion: poetic lyricism layered over a dub-inspired beat, delivered with confidence and control.
For La Foy, the biggest problem plaguing local hip hop is the lack of proper industry infrastructure - particularly in Durban.
'In Joburg and Cape Town, there's a well-established industry, whereas in Durban, it's still referred to as a scene," she said.
'We need serious media houses, real record labels and a move away from mediocrity. Let's stop hyping people who look the part and start supporting real artists who have honed their craft.'
She also called for professionalism from artists and event organisers alike. 'Show up on time. Respect your audience. And promoters - stop booking the same faces. Give new talent a shot.'
Locally, La Foy dreams of collaborating with Thandiswa Mazwai, Nduduzo Makhathini, Ricky Tyler and Okmalumkoolkat - artists she described as 'authentic, present and powerful.'
Internationally, she admires Daniel Caesar's songwriting, gospel rapper Hulvey and Gunna, whom she recently learned is also a runner.
As she continues to evolve, Lex La Foy hopes her legacy will be remembered not only for the music but for the message.
Image: Page Furness
In terms of upcoming projects, she's excited about two music video features: one for the 'Sho Leyo Remix" and another with duo 2Unique titled 'Ready To Love Me'. She's also working on a new EP with Eastern Cape producer Qdee, also known as The 11th Decibel.
Another passion project is the Peace4Newlands Free Concert In The Park, a community-driven event returning for its third edition on September 27, 2025.
For La Foy, success in 2025 looks like balance: peace, health, family and meaningful work. 'I want to perform with my all-female band, return to festivals, complete my honours in Health and Community Psychology and simply be present in beautiful spaces.'
She added, 'Success is wholeness. It's being healed and helping to heal others - financially, emotionally and spiritually. One day, I want to live in a healed country. But I know that starts with us.'
As she continues to evolve, La Foy hopes her legacy will be remembered not only for the music but for the message.
'That she lived with purpose. That she mastered her craft. That she made timeless music - even if it took time to get there.'
Catch 'The Lexikon 2.0 Project' mini documentary, written and produced by LaFoy, premiering on Friday, August 29, at The Music Imbizo in Durban.