TAWANDA CHARI & TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA
On May 23rd, 2025, Gemma Griffiths released her long-awaited debut album, simply titled Gemma. It's a personal, richly layered, and spiritually influenced body of work that boldly positions her as a multifaceted creative who has confidently grown into her sound and identity. In a music industry saturated with so much fleeting moments, Gemma stands out as an intentional project that can easily withstand the test of time.
With a distinctly Afrobeat foundation interspersed with strong Gospel influences, the album feels like a fusion of the global and the local; the personal and the communal; the sound of the now; and a deeper calling to purpose. Especially that last part – she makes it abundantly clear that music is her passion in this life, and nothing can stop her from pursuing this noble purpose.
The album launch party – held on a cold Harare night on the 30th of May at Mara Mara Restaurant in Belgravia – was nothing short of magical. For an invite-only event, the turnout was nothing less than impressive; evidence of the hard work put in by her and her team behind the scenes. The multicultural crowd that braved the chilly evening reflected the diverse nature of her music and they were rewarded with a warm, brilliant performance.
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| Gemma Griffiths performing at the album launch party |
Gemma, despite battling the flu, delivered a soulful set alongside her band; her voice shining beautifully almost everyone immediately forgot that she had mentioned about having lost her voice just when the show was starting. It was a blissful moment that encapsulated her ethos: showing up, delivering, and letting the art speak louder than circumstances. We absolutely loved it.
A multi-dimensional offering
What elevates this project is how Gemma intertwines her sound with the visual experience. Every track on Gemma feels like a chapter in her story, but the accompanying visuals add an extra layer of narrative, inviting us not just to listen but to witness, reflect and feel.
The album carries a total of 16 songs, that span 43 minutes. It's a worthwhile sonic journey, with Gemma baring her soul and tapping into the maturity of her sound. What we love too about the album is the undeniably rich production that just makes it easy on the ear. It's the type you want to get back to again and again.That's concrete evidence of an artist who poured careful thought into the process of making the album. You can tell, yeah, she really took her precious time making this. And that's what we really wanna hear on albums.
This is an album you can turn to when you feel lost in life and need healthy doses of optimism. It is an album you can turn to in times of being engrossed in romantic love, and in times of heartbreak. It is an album you can turn to when you need the drive to continue with your hustle. And when you just want to appreciate your city and everything in between.
Some standout songs
"Mhaka" sets the tone for the album’s authenticity. With the lyrics, "never cared about fame, only cared about growth. Only cared about what I wrote in the music I’m making", Gemma lays bare her heart and intentions. "Zvandinoda ndoteera, ndoteera. Handione pane mhaka." It’s an anthem for the dreamer determined to follow their calling, regardless of what the world has to say.
"Usanetseke" explores the complexity of romantic relationships, especially when art becomes the third person in the room. It's a heartfelt reassurance—“Usanetseke” (don’t worry)—to a partner who might feel unseen amid the demands of a creative life. There’s a tenderness to this track, a vulnerability that many artists and lovers of artists will find relatable.
"Ndichatarisa" emerges as the spiritual cornerstone of the project. Already a smash hit and lead single, the song is a humbling prayer for guidance—“Ndichatarisa kwamuri Mwari kana hupenyu hwangu hworema”—a beautiful reminder of our collective fragility and the need for divine intervention when life gets too heavy to bear alone.
Then there’s "Mjolo". A more playful, cheeky take on the emotional fatigue that often comes with dating in this day and age. The slang for dating, mjolo, is flipped on its head here. Instead of romantic bliss, we get avoidance, frustration and the occasional urge to ghost. It’s real. It’s honest. It’s 2025 dating in Zimbabwe.
But the gem of the album may just be "Gold." A love letter to Harare, the city that raised her. “My city is gold,” she sings with a cadence so smooth and beautifully written. This is song more about a feeling than a place. A nostalgia perhaps. There's no place like home.
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| Gemma Griffiths and Feli Nandi |
Other tracks worthy of mentioning: Holy, Wandoda (featuring Nutty O), Yahweh, and Tariro (featuring Feli Nandi).
But this is just our take. The project has 16 tracks. Immerse yourself fully in the album for a wholesome experience.
All in all, Gemma is a project drenched in faith, love, heartbreak, pride and the boldness of standing in your truth. And ultimately, being proud of your roots; being proud of where you come from.
So, a big shout-out to Harare in that regard.
Album Rating – 8/10.
Stream the album Gemma by Gemma Griffiths below:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/06FFDnJvTkMYjFmBR7clLy
YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA7VVLPh_l_KZ8MRUG9A-eQKJB2pjLqZJ&si=5hMSQ_aj1cMjpB8R
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