Gemma Griffiths, one of Zimbabwe’s most dynamic artists blending Afro-pop, soul, and heartfelt storytelling that connects global audiences.
Born and raised in a country with rhythm running through its vibrant veins, Gemma Griffiths has risen as one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated and soulful musical talents. From the bustling streets of Harare to international festival stages, Gemma’s sound captures the heartbeat of a nation — blending Afro-pop, reggae, and soul with heartfelt storytelling that resonates across cultures.
Blending local stories with global sounds, her music reflects a deep connection to her Zimbabwean roots while pushing the boundaries of contemporary African music. Each song carries a piece of her heritage — from the rhythms of mbira-inspired melodies to the poetic reflections of life, love, and home. Gemma’s authenticity and creative spirit have earned her a loyal fan base across Africa and beyond, making her one of the leading voices of the new generation of African musicians redefining the continent’s sound.
With her powerful vocals, honest lyrics, and innovative production, Gemma Griffiths continues to uplift and inspire, reminding the world that Zimbabwe’s music scene is as bold, bright, and beautiful as ever.
Early Life & Education
Gemma's passion for music runs deep in her family. She has shared that her mother and grandmother are skilled singers, while her grandfather and uncle are talented instrumentalists. After completing her high school education at Chisipite Senior School in Harare, she moved to the USA to study at Snow College, earning a degree in Commercial Music Composition where she honed her skills in trumpet, piano, and voice.
Musical Career
Gemma gained significant recognition in 2016 with her moving rendition of Winky D’s hit song “Musarova Bigman,” which beautifully incorporated both Shona and English. This cover showcased her unique ability to bridge cultural and linguistic divides. Her star continued to rise, and in 2019, she was featured on Winky D's chart-topping track “MuGarden,” cementing her place as a household name.
Gemma's talent has taken her to stages across the world. While based in Cape Town, she performed alongside acclaimed South African artists like Jimmy Nevis, Majozi, and Freshly Ground. She has also maintained strong ties to her home, sharing the stage with Zimbabwean legends Jah Prayzah and the late Dr. Oliver Mtukudzi. Her performances at festivals like HIFA and Shoko, as well as Zimfest in London, have grown her faithful fanbase both at home and in the diaspora.
Creative Projects
In 2018, Gemma embarked on an ambitious project: to write an album while traveling across Africa. She converted a Landrover Defender into a mobile studio and has since driven over 24,000km through 10 countries in Southern and East Africa. This ongoing journey of over 500 days is the creative force behind her highly anticipated debut album.
After a decade in the making, Gemma is set to release her self-titled debut album, described as a "love letter to Harare." Her body of work already includes the celebrated 2018 EP featuring tracks like "My Town" and her "Musarova Bigman" cover, as well as popular songs like "Titungamirei" and "Maita Basa Baba."
Gallery
An artist on stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Gemma Griffiths was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. Her music is deeply influenced by her Zimbabwean roots and cultural background.
Yes, Gemma is known for fluently incorporating Shona into her music, as famously demonstrated in her cover of "Musarova Bigman" and her collaboration on "MuGarden."
Some of Gemma Griffiths' most popular songs include her feature on "MuGarden" with Winky D, as well as her own tracks like "Titungamirei," "Maita Basa Baba," and "Ndinewe."
Gemma has kept her personal life private. While there have been rumors linking her to other artists, such as Winky D after their hit collaboration, she has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships.
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