The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
WHEN he performed for the first time in front of an appreciating crowd at the Artists Against Poverty Campaign in 2005, Gary Tight knew he was destined for greater heights.
He felt the love and gratitude.
He felt inspired and never looked back.
His phenomenal rise to stardom has been an inspiration to many, especially during the period when he was a mentee of the late grandad of Zim music and national hero, Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi, who never hid his admiration of the young lad’s exceptional talent.
Son to veteran Afro-jazz veteran, Willom Tight, the Mutare-born artiste who was weaned from Churchill Jazz Band to become his own man has over the years released danceable and sing-along songs such as Ndizarurire, featuring Oliver Mtukudzi, Nzira Yangu (acoustic and reggae versions), Ndazonyora, featuring Jah Prayzah, Ganyamatope, Vanhu Vatema (remix) and Sthandwa Sami, featuring Kae Chaps.
Born Gary Muponda in 1994, the soft-spoken and composed artiste also shone when he was the opening act of Chimurenga guru, Thomas Mapfumo’s The Peace Tour in 2018.
He has made a name for himself, thanks to his consistency and exceptional approach to art.
However, Tight believes time is no longer on his side.
He believes he now needs to up his game.
It seems he is drawing inspiration from his late mentor, Mtukudzi’s masterpiece song, Hope, which encourages people to make good use of the available time and work harder as there is no progress in sleep.
In an interview with Post Entertainment, Tight said he believes it is time for him to step up.
He was speaking on the sidelines of a recent sold-out homecoming show held at Chitsa Sports Bar and Liquids in Dangamvura where he put up a sublime performance.
He shocked many with his energy on stage and his guitar-playing prowess, coupled with a well-knit choreography.
Tight touched many hearts and left fans clamouring for more after belting out songs like Ndizarurire and Ndiwe.
“I am happy with the journey I have travelled so far, but I have to step up. I am relentlessly trying to give people the best out of me. I am getting the encouragement that I need, but time is running out for me.
“Age is catching up with me and I have to make the best out of the time that I have. I need to work harder. I am happy that I did not start from scratch, but my father, Willom, paved the way for me, which made it easier,” he said.
Tight said he is working on some new projects scheduled for release sometime this year.
Said Chitsa Bar and Liquids director, Tawanda Chitsa: “It was an honour to host Gary whose artistic prowess is exceptional. We will continue bringing such young talents to Mutare.”
