TWIGGI – BORN TO SING

The Talented Singer

Twiggi

don

December 22, 2023

Twiggi is one of the most talented female singers in the entertainment industry. Her journey in the entertainment industry is truly remarkable, and her achievements reflect both her talent and dedication to music. Her songwriting skills and her soulful smooth voice enabled her to obtain international recognition. Born Marie Gittens, she was blessed with the gift of singing. Starting from her roots in Jamaica, the early experiences in church and school shaped her passion for performing. The pivotal moment in her career came in 1989 when she successfully auditioned with veteran singer Tinga Stewart. This caught the attention of other notable artists like Derrick Harriott, Toots Hibbert, Boris Gardener, Ruddy Thomas, and others; thus establishing her presence in the music scene. Joining Donovan Germain’s Penthouse Records label in 1993 marked a turning point in her career.  Her romantic repertoire, characterized by her soulful smooth voice and superb songwriting skills, resulted in several chart topping singles. The success of “It’s Too Late” became one of the biggest songs in Uganda and established her popularity in other parts of Africa. Her self-titled debut album in 1996 highlighted her international appeal. One of her most popular hit was the duet with Buju Banton entitled “Want it”.  Twiggi’s admiration extended to Japan, where her contributions to “JaJaJah All Stars” compilations (Japanese songs in Reggae) caught the attention of Sony Japan Records. This led to a successful album of Mariah Carey covers with singer Lorraine, further displaying her creativity.

Her mission continued with a move to the Shocking Vibes label in 1997, where she collaborated with Beenie Man and further expanded her repertoire with various labels. Twiggi’s background vocals enriched tracks for reggae legends and international artists, demonstrating her versatility and vocal arrangements.  These include Burning Spear, Jimmy Cliff, Steel Pulse, Sizzla, Dr. Beres Hammond, Luciano, Garnett Silk, Alpha Blondy, Marcia Griffiths, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Lady Saw, Sting and others. Despite her success on stage and collaborations, Twiggi redirected her career in 1998, focusing on music that reflects her religious faith and commitment to righteous living. She released inspiring songs like “He’s Got the Power / Father” and recorded a reggae gospel album in 2002.

Twiggi’s dedication to teaching about love and righteous living through music remained steadfast. Her later singles, such as “Reaching out to you,” “You & You Alone,” “Good Times,” “Kiss Me One More Time,” and “With You I’m Born Again,” received widespread acclaim. In 2009, the smooth crooner took on the role of executive producer for her self-produced album “The Sun Shines Through,” which was eligible for the Grammy process in 2010. In 2021, she earned a Grammy for her work on the 2020 Reggae Album “Got to be tough” for Toots & the Maytals.

While  touring with Toots & The Maytals, she experienced sharing the stage with Rolling Stones and Dave Matthews Band; thus exposing her impact on the global music scene. Her involvement in helping to get individuals together with the producer for the reggae recording of Walt Disney’s “Hakuta Matata”  in the Lion King movie, further showcased her influence and versatility in the industry.

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Her journey in the entertainment industry is truly remarkable, and her achievements reflect both her talent and dedication to music. Her songwriting skills and soulful smooth voice enabled her to obtain international recognition.

Twiggi’s dedication to teaching about love and righteous living through music remained steadfast. Her later singles, such as “Reaching out to you,” “You & You Alone,” “Good Times,” “Kiss Me One More Time,” and “With You I’m Born Again,” received widespread acclaim. In 2009, the smooth crooner took on the role of executive producer for her self-produced album “The Sun Shines Through,” which was eligible for the Grammy process in 2010. In 2021, she earned a Grammy for her work on the 2020 Reggae Album “Got to be tough” for Toots & the Maytals.

Twiggi Album

Twiggi’s diverse experiences, including memories of sharing the stage with the Rolling Stones and Dave Matthews Band while on tour with Toots & the Maytals. Her involvement in working with the producer to gather individuals for the  reggae recording of “Hakuta Matata” of Walt Disney’s Lion King movie further highlighted her influence and versatility in the industry.

Twiggy & Buju single "Want It"

HIGHLIGHTS & ACHIEVEMENTS

  • “Too Late” was one of the biggest song in Uganda.
  • Touring with Toots & the Maytals enabled her to share the stage with Rolling Stones & Dave Matthews Band.
  • Helped producer in getting individuals for reggae version of Walt Disney’s “Hakuna Matata” (Lion King movie).
  • Did background vocals on Jimmy Cliff’s “I could see clearly now”.
  • Twiggi is still one of the best female vocalists in the music industry.
  • 1995 – She recorded a compilation Album with Japanese hits in Reggae.
  • 2002 – Recorded a full gospel album.
  • 2021 – Won a Grammy for harmonizing on Toots & The Maytals “Got to be tough” Album.
  • Twiggi’s voice is also featured in various TV commercials (Island Dairies, Victoria Mutual, and NCB); she was also an Ambassador for “Bigga” beverages.
  • She changed her name from “Twiggy” to Twiggi.
  • Twiggi is great friends with actor/rapper Mark Wahlberg (Marky Mark).

Read up on all the pioneers of reggae!

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