Gary Muponda Tight, son to popular Afro-reggae and pop musician, Willom Tight, gave a sterling performance at The Mannenberg last week backed by his youthful band, Zion Originated.
Tight (16), who was an opening act for mbira maestro Taku Mafika’s homecoming show, exhibited a musical maturity that belied his age.
“I just want my music to go where no Zimbabwean music has gone before. I believe I can make it if I continue working hard. I want my work to be known locally and internationally,” said Tight, who is currently in Form 3 at Churchill High School in Harare.
Young Tight revealed that he started playing at age two, and is currently involved in the high school’s jazz band. Last year, he went on a five-country European musical tour with several upcoming local musicians including Mafika and Tina Watyoka among others.
During his performance last week, Tight played the mbira and sang with a high level of confidence that endeared him to the hordes of fans that came to watch the show. The young musician paid tribute to his father for teaching and mentoring him.
“My journey in music has been very smooth, thanks to my father. He has always been there for me. He has taught me much of what I know about music today. In addition, he is always giving me advice about how to conduct myself as a musician,” said Tight.
His act at The Mannenberg was an eclectic fusion of the mbira, keyboard, guitar and drums.
The young musician capped it all with his mellow voice and richly- themed lyrics. Without a doubt, Tight is an emerging artist to look out for in the near future.
