There has often been a thin line between chasing trends and artistic diversity or adaptability. The difference usually being execution. Gemma Griffiths is one of the few artists that has managed to navigate this well.
The Afro-pop singer has carved out a polyrhythmic discography, filled with memorable vocal performances. From house collaborations with Prince Kaybee, to Zimdancehall ballads with Chillspot Recordz and genre bending duets with the likes of Baba Harare & Jah Prayzah.
Now 10 years after into her career, the singer has finally released her debut album. An eponymous project that brings together a multitude of sonic influences to tell the story of Gemma Griffiths and the place she calls home. As the singer describes it, "it's a love letter to Harare, to the city hustle, to heartbreak, faith, joy, and every beat that has shaped me.”
Over 16 tracks, a diverse cast of producers, led by Manuchie, brings together a diverse pop sound that has Gemma's vocals as it's binding ties. Out of all the under riding themes, Gemma's unshakable faith is principal to the story told by Gemma The Album. The label of contemporary gospel could easily fit this body of work.
"The Intro" is an exultation of God that not only sets the tone but introduces us to the vocal talent Naishe Rowland. This flows into "Holy," a collaboration with Nigeria's Peruzzi that carries strong Afrobeats influences. There is a subtlety to the melodies that Gemma presents, making the nature of the music emotive.
The singer embraces the hustle and chasing of dreams on the dancehall inclined "Mhaka," which has lyrics of à dogged determination. There is still a slight awkwardness in Gemma's pronunciation of some Shona words but a mellifluous delivery more than makes up for it.
The subject of love rears it's head on the DJ Tamuka produced "Usanetseke," which speaks to reassure, the Afro dancehall record "Wandoda," with Nutty O,and the percussive dance track "Mjolo," produced by Murphy Cubic. In the first two love is uncomplicated and emotions simply put, but "Mjolo" sees relationships as anything but that. While the themes presented are relatable and universal, there are constant hints of the personal in the lyricism.
"Yahweh" has a sense of loss and mourning, while "Tariro," a duet with Feli Nandi centres hope, with a beautiful balance between the two voices. The self titled "Girl From Harare" puts the capital at the heart of the soulful "Gold" and the sungura influenced "MuHarare." Both tracks celebrating the vibrancy of the city and it's rich culture.
"Ndichatarisa" which was released as a single over a year ago and already ranks as one of Gemma's biggest songs, is a statement of trust in the Lord. A blending of Afro-pop and Zimdancehall that is one of the defining songs of not only this project but Gemma's career. The beauty of it's composition going beyond it's message.
While it presents a very different Gemma from the one that started singing 10 years ago, Gemma The Album offers up a snapshot of that decade long career. The sounds presented here are reminiscent of her work on Pamwe EP and The Girl From Harare EP, yet better honed. A cultural and sonic annal, celebrating growth and the place Gemma Griffiths calls home.
The album was released as both an audio and visual work - with 15 out of it's 16 tracks having videos. The story told onscreen is more than a fitting accompaniment, and it truly captures the essence of Gemma. A multifaceted creative talent immersed in a city that is vibrant and alive with countless stories.
Greedysouth rating: 7.7/10
Enjoyed reading this news report? Support Greedysouth by buying the team a cup of coffee. Your support assists in the production of such quality reports. Thank you.