She’s from Harare, and she wants you to know it. Gemma Griffiths’ being is synonymous with the southern African country of Zimbabwe. Those are her roots, and escaping them would mean denying her true self.
This EP is an expansion of her heritage and travels like a sonic diary of sorts. Easy on the ears, but not once skimping on the authenticity. She transcends the regular ‘frame of thought.’ We’re in Africa, yet, witnessing people of white descent immerse themselves in African music and delivering their art with such conviction and respect does not happen too often. We’ve seen the “using Africa as a quick cash cow” pipeline, and that is not Griffiths’ ministry.
“A Girl From Harare” opens up with “Ava” and Griffiths’ singing in one of Zimbabwe’s official languages, Shona. She introduces us to who she is: fluent in Shona and reveres the language because she more than sprinkles it through her project. “Ava” is the perfect starting point into Gemma’s world and what we as listeners can expect.
“City Life,” featuring Tanzanian rapper FreshLikeUhh is an uncomplicated and endearing ode to their travels. Gemma is pretty well-traveled; she was born in Cape Town, South Africa, raised in Zimbabwe during her formative years, and studied in America. On top of that, in 2018, she traveled across ten African countries, including Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda.
“Don’t Worry” and “Down” inject an Afrobeats-inspired swagger that conceals the messages of this young woman’s romantic conquests if you’re too focused on the hip-swaying production. In “Don’t Worry,” she reiterates how she’s not looking for a man and emphasizes how time is still on her side, which is why she enjoys being alone. On “Raspberry,” she opens with ‘Boys, I’m so bored of boys’ and proceeds to proclaim her love for the one thing she cares about, her rum and raspberry drink. Unsurprisingly, she holds this kind of viewpoint on love; she’s young and exploring the world.
The EP closer, “Weather,” ends the project with a vibe that leaves you wanting more. It’s a sonically light offering, making it perfect for any occasion. So whether you’re in the mood to chill or get down on the dancefloor, “A Girl from Harare” doesn’t disappoint.
