Gemma Griffiths

Last updated
Gemma Griffiths
Born
Harare, Zimbabwe
Genres Afro-pop, Afro-fusion, Contemporary R&B
OccupationsSinger-songwriter, podcaster
InstrumentsVocals, guitar
Years active2016–present
Website www.gemmazim.com

Gemma Griffiths is a Zimbabwean singer-songwriter and podcaster best known for her solo Afro-pop and Afro-fusion work, as well as her collaborations with prominent African artists. She is recognised for blending contemporary R&B with traditional Zimbabwean musical influences and for her contributions to the African creative arts scene. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

Early life and career

Griffiths was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. [4] She developed an interest in music at a young age and later began writing and performing original material that reflected her cultural background. Her sound incorporates Afro-pop, Afro-fusion, and contemporary African music elements. [5]

Music career

Griffiths gained early recognition with the release of her single "Don't Worry", which received positive media attention for its Afro-pop sound and uplifting themes. [6]

She later released her debut EP A Girl from Harare, a body of work centred on identity, womanhood, and African modernity, blending traditional Zimbabwean influences with contemporary R&B and Afro-pop production. [7] [8]

Beyond her solo work, Griffiths has collaborated with several leading African artists. She worked with South African producer Prince Kaybee on the single "Sorry Not Sorry". [9]

She has also collaborated with Zimbabwean musician Baba Harare on multiple songs, including "Ndini Ndinaye" (2023) and "Couple of the Year" (2025). [10] [11]

Griffiths has further collaborated and performed with Zimbabwean dancehall artist Winky D, appearing together on stage and in music-related projects, contributing to her visibility within Zimbabwe’s contemporary music scene. [12]

In January 2025, she released the single "Mhaka", which served as the lead single for her self-titled debut studio album. [13]

Podcasting and other work

In addition to music, Griffiths hosts the podcast Hello Hi with Gemma, which features in-depth conversations with African creatives and cultural figures. [14]

She was also the subject of the documentary A Girl from Harare, which chronicles her musical journey across several African countries and features appearances by artists including Winky D. [15]

Discography

Albums

EPs

Selected singles

References

  1. "Gemma Giffiths is the Girl from Harare with Global Ambitions". Rolling Stone Africa. Retrieved 2025-08-10.
  2. Zindi, Fred. "What makes Gemma Griffiths a global phenomenon". The Standard. Retrieved 2025-08-10.
  3. "Future of Music 2025: Meet Rolling Stone Africa's Artists". Rolling Stone Australia. 2025-05-22. Retrieved 2025-08-10.
  4. Nxumalo, Lee (2022-01-28). "Gemma Griffiths is A Girl from Harare". Bubblegum Club. Retrieved 2025-08-10.
  5. "Culture Connection Presents Gemma Griffiths". ETV News. 2023-08-01. Retrieved 2025-08-10.
  6. "Don't Worry is Gemma Griffiths' ode to living in the moment". Texx and the City. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 2025-08-09.
  7. "Gemma Griffiths' new EP A Girl from Harare is a vibrant contemporary Afro-pop exploration of the continent". Texx and the City. 4 February 2022. Retrieved 2025-08-09.
  8. "Zim: Listen to Gemma Griffiths' A Girl From Harare EP". Music In Africa. 2022-01-28. Retrieved 2025-08-10.
  9. "SA's Prince Kaybee features Gemma Griffiths on new single "Sorry Not Sorry"". Music In Africa. 2 August 2024. Retrieved 2025-08-09.
  10. "Baba Harare – Ndini Ndinaye (feat. Gemma Griffiths)". Apple Music. Retrieved 2025-12-08.
  11. "Baba Harare – Couple of the Year (feat. Gemma Griffiths)". Spotify. Retrieved 2025-12-08.
  12. "Winky D, Gemma rekindle stage romance". Daily News. Retrieved 2025-08-10.
  13. "Gemma unveils new single ahead of debut album". NewsDay. Retrieved 2025-08-10.
  14. "Musician Gemma Griffiths launches podcast 'Hello Hi with Gemma' to celebrate African creatives". Herald Online. 9 February 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-09.
  15. "Gemma unleashes life history doccie". Herald Online. 4 December 2021. Retrieved 2025-08-09.