Lalayafè Igè Ögbȯn Wüsio Manning, a name meaning "wealth is a wife who is loved", and who was affectionately known as "Lala", was born in Chicago, Illinois to Beatrice Manning, on February 12, 1975. Lala was quite energetic and expressive at an early age, and naturally excelled at the performing arts during her early childhood, having been introduced to traditional West African dance through her mother.

After relocating with family to Southern California as a youngster, Lala continued to show a penchant for the performing and creative arts. She became a neighborhood dance phenom in Los Angeles, as she was able to pick up any genre of dance and excel at it. Lala was also exceptionally and naturally good at baking with an artistic flair, flower arranging, and creating fun, educational and engaging games for the younger kids in her neighborhood, both in Southern California and in Chicago, when she returned during her teen years.

Lala graduated from DuSable High School and experienced college life at Hampton University. She later married and Ayan Amira Kalifa Campbell-Manning was born from that union.

Lala is survived by her mother, Beatrice, daughter Ayan (and Ayan's spouse Armyra), sons Ari Amaru Kirikou Manning and Amore Armond Kafimbu Manning, grandson Adonis Malachi Manning- Campbell, siblings Nubia, Obadele, Nosakhere, her spiritual community, and a host of family and friends.