Zimpapers Logo

Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]

Musician Gemma Griffiths has joined the podcast scene, making her mark with her new show, Hello, Hi…With Gemma.

Known for her hit songs Maita Basa Baba, Titungamirei, and One Call Away, Gemma is a multi-award-winning artiste who brings a wealth of creativity and authenticity to her new venture.

In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Showbiz, she discussed the podcast and her journey in music.

She revealed that her love for connecting with other creatives inspired her to start the Hello, Hi…With Gemma podcast.

“I wanted to create a space where artistes could have real, meaningful conversations,” she explained.

The monthly podcast, which launched yesterday with an interview featuring Jah Prayzah, will be available on YouTube and all major streaming services, though any changes will be communicated on Gemma’s Instagram page.

Jah Prayzah

According to Gemma, the podcast will not just offer a glimpse into different celebrity lifestyles; it will also address the challenges they face.

“Challenges are a big theme that we try to address with the podcast. I would say access, rather . . . because there’s no shortage of talent here, but we need more access to international platforms, to funding, and to infrastructure that supports creatives. People are paying attention to art, music, and fashion — but we need to keep pushing to make sure our artistes get the recognition (and financial backing) they deserve.”

When discussing guest selection, she emphasised the importance of diversity.

“I’m drawn to people who are shaping culture… it’s important to celebrate different perspectives,” she stated.

“Every guest brings something different, but one of the biggest takeaways has been resilience. The creative journey isn’t easy, and hearing how different artistes navigate theirs has been inspiring.”

Gemma believes that podcasts like hers play a crucial role in amplifying voices within the creative community.

“They (podcasts) allow us to go deeper — talk about the struggles, the wins, and everything in between,” she noted.

The popular singer said that in her career, she has enjoyed many special moments, including performing internationally in front of crowds in different countries.

Gemma Griffiths

When asked about what propelled her into music, Gemma explained, “It was music itself. It has always been my way of expressing myself, and from a young age, I was drawn to storytelling through melody — it just felt like home. Growing up in Zimbabwe, I was surrounded by so many different sounds. The idea that music can bring people together and tell stories is what drives me every day.”

She emphasised the importance of staying true to her roots while exploring new sounds.

“For me, music is about evolution, but I never want to lose the essence of who I am. In creating a fusion, it’s a mix of honouring Zimbabwe whilst allowing myself to grow as an artist,” she said.

For young creatives aspiring to make their mark in the creative sector, Gemma advised, “Stay true to your voice . . . your unique perspective is what makes you special. Keep honing your craft, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”

Looking ahead, she confirmed: “2025 is going to be an exciting year. I announced my debut album, which is available to pre-order (23 May), and a single, Mhaka, produced by Oskid, is out now.” —@MbuleloMpofu