I love, love Winky D: Gemma. Though born across the Limpopo in Cape Town, Gemma seems to be well-acquainted with the Zimbabwean environment and language. Rising artiste Gemma Griffiths has expressed her immense love for Zimdancehall superstar Winky D and she is also charmed by Enzo Ishall.
The 25-year-old has revealed how she is familiar with her home country Zimbabwe. In an interview with H-Metro entertainment reporter EDWIN NHUKARUME (EN), Gemma (GG) opened up on her private life and her future plans in the musical career. Read on…
E.N: Was music a career you wanted to pursue since childhood? GG: Music is what I’ve wanted to do since I was a child. I grew up in a really musical household of a piano teacher, choir and pianists so it’s in the blood.
GG: My love and passion for it.
There was a bit of Dolly Parton in there too. So now I draw upon all those influences and make a sound that sits with me.
EN: Who are your favourite artistes in Zimbabwe?
GG: I love love, love, Winky D. Working with him on MuGarden was such a high honour as he’s one of my favourite artists. I also love Jah Prayzah.
I’m a massive fan of Nutty O and Enzo too. And of course my incredible sisters Tamy Moyo, Ammara Brown, Chengeto Brown. There is so much amazing music from our country at the moment.
EN: Who would you want to collaborate within Zimbabwe after Winky D and Ammara Brown?
GG: There’s a British Zimbabwean sister called Shingai. I really want to work with her and Enzo too.
EN: You were born in Cape Town? If so how have you managed to reconnect with your roots in Zimbabwe?
GG: I was born in Cape Town but grew up in Zimbabwe. I went to Chisipite Girls High and just really stayed in Zimbabwe all that time.
EN: What is it that you love about your home here in Zimbabwe?
GG: I really love walking barefoot in the yard. I love jacarandas when they are in bloom.
EN: Are you married? Single? Searching?
GG: This is my personal life, I am not comfortable sharing on this one.
EN: Besides music do you have any other business or you are into music full time?
GG: I’m into music full time but recently I performed one play called Bongile.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
EN: Is music a hobby to you or it’s your source of income?
GG: Music is everything to me. I just want to make music and to travel and to see the world.
EN: How did your family react – especially your parents – when they discovered you love music?GG: They love music too. They used to take me to concerts when I was small so they are overjoyed. They come to my gigs when I’m playing locally.
EN: How do you spend your free time or can you share with us how you spend your normal week?
GG: Well it differs – last week, I released my single Mambokadzi featuring the absolutely amazing Ammara Brown.
I had a launch party at Amanzi on Thurs evening, Friday I went live with the video on Trace TV.
By Monday I was on them to odd travelling to Zambia, Tuesday I was doing promo there, flew to London on Wednesday and have been doing interviews – today (This week Sunday) I did one on London’s Rinse FM with DJ Neptizzle. I’m tired but incredibly grateful.
This week I’m preparing to shoot another video to my next single.
EN: Which place do you like to visiting or spending time at in Zimbabwe?
GG: Home with my folks is my happy place.
EN: What do you want to achieve in the music industry?
GG: I really want to play my part. We have such incredible talent in Zimbabwe. I admire the likes of Winky and Jah who get booked to play international shows.
I want to do my bit to shine a spotlight on the country
EN: Who are your favourite international artistes?
GG: I love Koffee from Jamaica. I also love Amy Winehouse, Wizkid and Davido.
EN: What is the best thing that has ever happened in your life?
GG: That’s a tough one. I don’t have a best thing. I’m just grateful for so much.
EN: It seems your music career is on the rise, are you not scared of failure and disappointments along the way?
GG: Of course who isn’t? But I have to keep putting one foot in front of the other. What’s the alternative?
I have good people around me, a supportive team and all I can do is my best
EN: Where do you draw your inspiration from to come up with your lyrics?
GG: From life.
EN: Besides the plan to release an album early next year, are there any plans in the pipeline?
GG: There’s so much music coming in 2020. So much.
EN: Thank you for your time.
GG: My pleasure
EN: Which genre of music do you specialise in? And besides being a specialist in that genre, is it your favourite genre?
GG: You know what…? I just make music. I grew up listening to Tuku, to Andy Brown but also a lot of Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin.EN: What inspired you to venture into music?
