Cover Feature Gemma Griffiths

“I would say my performances have been some of my favourite parts of the journey - performing with Winky D... among other artists “ “

“I’VE GROWN - AS A MUSICIAN, AS A WOMAN, AS

AN AFRICAN - I’VE CREATED MUSIC, FRIENDSHIPS AND

MEMORIES THAT HAVE ENRICHED EVERY AREA OF MY LIFE....

As a young Zimbabwean growing up in Capetown, would you say that this has contributed to your creativity as an artist as well as finding things to sing about?

I didn’t grow up in Cape Town, I was only there for about a week as a baby. I grew up in Harare. So Harare contributed to my creativity, absolutely. Growing up with vast sunsets, rainstorms and birds, with the bustle of kombis on 2nd street, and Mbare market on Monday morning, all of these made me who I am as an artist.

How did growing up in a family of musicians, shape your music career?

My Mum taught me to play guitar and trumpet. There was always music in the house, we were lucky enough to have instruments in the living room and were encouraged to play. I’ve been so blessed to have support for this direction I’ve taken into music from my family. I know it’s not the case for many musicians, and that makes me grateful to have the extra strength from my parents. My mum, brother, uncle, grand parents and cousins all play instruments - so we really are a family of musicians.

Can you share with us your experience on the “Driving Pamwe” Instagram project and the lessons you learnt by travelling across Africa?

Driving Pamwe was started in 2019 by myself and filmmaker (Director of both Gara Pano and Mambokadzi music videos) Marc Neilson. We started driving in a Landrover Defender up the east coast of Africa, and have now clocked 20,000km through South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Throughout the journey, I’ve had my studio in the vehicle and have met with musicians and creatives all over - making music, writing and learning from them. I could honestly speak forever about the lessons I’ve learnt through this journey, that is continuing in 2020. I’ve grown - as a musician, as a woman, as an African - I’ve created music, friendships and memories that have enriched every area of my life, and I feel extremely humbled to be able to do this journey. To live in my car, to create and to explore this incredible continent.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Gosh, there have been a few. The response to MuGarden in 2019 was absolutely incredible - such a humbling experience to have spent the rest of the year connecting with wonderful people through the live perfomances of that song. I would say my performances have been some of my favourite parts of the journey- performing with Winky D, with Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, with Ammara Brown. Performing at the Patoranking show in Harare, opening for Joss Stone. Then the people I’ve worked with in studio - Charlie Kay, Reverb 7, Oskid. The relationships I’ve made through music are once in a lifetime. All of these moments are highlights to me.

Outside of music what else do you do?

I travel. I live to travel, and it’s become a way of life through “Pamwe”. I dance, I write, I eat amazing foods from new places. It’s everything I could ask for.

How has being multilingual helped you as an artist?

It has opened up so many directions for me, through singing in both English and Shona. I love mixing the two languages - it feels naturally me.

Can you exclusively share with us what people don’t know about you.

I write poetry and prose, and have been writing throughout Africa. I love warm weather and the thunderstorms in Zimbabwe. I drink lots of tea, and Dovi rice is my favorite food ever.

It’s a New Year/New Decade, what should your fans look forward to?

New music. More traveling. More Pamwe. Big surprises.

What has been your biggest achievement in the last decade?

Watching the growth of my music, and the growth of my musicianship through that.

What is the title of your upcoming album and what should we expect from it?

All info to come soon

Apart from your own music. Who else do you enjoy listening to?

Oh soooo many artists :) Winky D, Ammara, Enzo, Shingai Shoniwa, Charlie Kay, Baba Tuku, Bob Nyabinde, Kure by Ishan and To Gonzi has got to be one of my favourites... the list just keeps going though.

What message do you have for your fans?

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It is the dream of an artist for their music to be heard - and it’s through each one of my fans that the dream comes true.