TWIGGi

TWiGGi is one of the most talented female singers in the entertainment industry. Her songwriting skills and her soulful smooth voice enabled her to obtain international recognition, in particular Pin Japan and Africa. Twiggi, whose real name is Marie Gittens (her artist name is sometimes spelled Twiggy), was born in Jamaica in 1969. She has been singing and performing since age five, first at church, to which she is still very close, and also at school. She began her musical career in 1989 a...

TWiGGi is one of the most talented female singers in the entertainment industry. Her songwriting skills and her soulful smooth voice enabled her to obtain international recognition, in particular Pin Japan and Africa. Twiggi, whose real name is Marie Gittens (her artist name is sometimes spelled Twiggy), was born in Jamaica in 1969. She has been singing and performing since age five, first at church, to which she is still very close, and also at school. She began her musical career in 1989 after a successful audition with the veteran singer Tinga Stewart doing background vocals in the studio. Very satisfied by her work, he introduced her to other producers like Boris Gardener and Ruddy Thomas. Her career took off when she integrated Donovan Germain’s Penthouse Records label in 1993. She recorded single after single, in a romantic repertory primarily, which were all chart toppers. The song “It's Too Late” (on Champion riddim) was the biggest hit in Uganda (Africa) since the Beatles’s song “Michelle”. She was popular also in other places in Africa. This recognition allowed her to record her self-titled debut album for Penthouse in 1996 which contains a lot of her hits for this label (like “Where Did The Love Go” on Far East riddim, “I Want Your Love” on Tempo riddim or “Do Me Baby” on Freedom Blues riddim ). Her success in Japan, obtained thanks to her titles on “JaJaJah All Stars” compilations (jamaican versions of japanese hits), had led Sony Japan Records label to make her record an album of covers of Mariah Carey divided with Lorraine in 1995. That was a very successful project. During he first week of release in Japan, it sold over a hundred thousand copies. She moved from Penthouse in 1997 and integrated the Shocking Vibes label the same year. She collaborated in particular with the main artist of the label, Beenie Man (remember her killer vocals on the title “Bad Mind Is Active - My Prerogative” on Beenie Man's album Many Moods of Moses). Apart from her collaborations with these labels, Twiggi also recorded for others labels like Digital B, Xterminator, Rookie Productions or High Power. Twiggi has been providing background vocals for a number of Reggae’s most successful stars. Her mezzo soprano voice is always very appreciated in the reggae industry. In studio, Twiggi has lent her voice to tracks for jamaican artists such as Burning Spear, Jimmy Cliff, Steel Pulse, Sizzla, Beres Hammond, Luciano, Garnett Silk, Marcia Griffiths, Buju Banton, Beenie Man and Lady Saw, just to name a few. She also worked for international reggae artists like Alpha Blondy (Africa), Snow (Canada), Pierpoljak (France), Nahki (Japan) and the pop superstar Sting. In many cases, Twiggi did the vocal arrangements for the tracks as well. She is also popular on stage and has toured the world with Reggae Superstars like Buju Banton and Garnett Silk in the 90s and Toots & The Maytals since 1990. Twiggi has now dedicated her career to teaching about love and righteous living through her music and plans to pursue it to the fullest. "Now I get to do what I really want to do" states Twiggi. She recorded her first song inspired by her faith in God called "He's Got The Power / Father" in 1998 for Digital B. Other titles came then "Glory and Honour" (2000 - Shocking Vibes) "Praises" (2002 - Penthouse Records) and "Search Yourself" (2002 - Joe Fraser). She recorded a reggae gospel album for Shocking Vibes in 2002 which has never been released. She spent many time touring with Toots and The Maytals up to two years ago. Twiggi briefly toured with Papa San for two years but is now on the path to the destination carved out for her. Her last singles "Reaching Out To You" (on The Archangel Riddim by Lion of Judah Sounds) and "You & You Alone" (for Computer Paul's Boot Camp Records) are newly released and are getting major airplay all over the world. "Reaching Out To You" have already entered the music charts in south Florida and is riding the waves there. Her new album "The Sun Shines Through" is in stores now !!