SHE was the most unlikely singer to do a rendition of dancehall kingpin Winky D’s slam hit, Musarova Biggie Man, at the Sanganai/Hlanganani welcome cocktail on Thursday night.
BY TAFADZWA UFUMELI
But Zimbabwean born pop singer, Gemma Griffiths caught delegates off guard when she pulled it off with a rocking performance that mesmerised them.
The singer — now based in Cape Town, South Africa — started off with an English verse, her interpretation of the song, before proceeding to the chorus in Shona, something that brought a standing ovation as, delegates got up and started singing along and clapping their hands in unison.
“Winky D is one of my favourite Zimbabwean artists. I loved the idea of taking one of his songs and putting a twist to it in order to tell the other side of the story through my own version using English language,” Griffiths told NewsDay in a follow-up interview.
The 22-year-old diva made a video of the song late last year, which went viral on social media platforms.
Born in Cape Town, Griffiths grew up in Harare and has over the years performed at top music festivals such as Harare International Festival of Arts (Hifa), ZimFest in London 2015 and, more recently, the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards in May.
Griffiths, who is currently doing a music degree in the United States, uses unique soulful folk/pop vocals. She said music ran in her family’s veins.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“My family is very musical. I play the piano, guitar and trumpet. My mother taught me to play the trumpet. They are very supportive and they love Zimbabwean music,” Griffiths said.
“I’m so passionate about Zimbabwe, my home, and about music.”
Although Griffiths predominantly plays pop music, she has also released jazz tunes such as Jimmy Choos, where she played with saxophonist, Vee Mukarati during the latter’s Afrojazzanova series.
Although she described music as biggest passion and first love, she said she also enjoyed travelling, hiking and painting.
