The Sunday News
Kudzai Mpangi, Sunday Life Reporter
THE country’s much anticipated “Bira Concert” has brought a great deal of excitement not only to local music aficionados, but to the young generation in the arts industry who have longed to see one of their greatest icons perform in their home land.
Given that when the crooner, Thomas Mapfumo left for United States 14 years ago some of the young artistes were still toddlers, they did not have an opportunity to see him perform live on stage.
The only vision they had of Mukanya’s performance are from tales told by their fathers some of whom shared the stage with the Chimurenga guru. One of those young artistes is Gary Tight, son to veteran musician Willom Tight, a young star who all his life has dreamt of one day sharing the stage with the crooner.
Gary Tight has shared the stage with top Zimbabwean musicians such as celebrated Oliver Mtukudzi, Jah Prayzah, the late Chiwoniso Maraire, Sulumani Chimbetu and Ammara Brown, among others.
“It’s an honour to share the stage with two legends on one stage as I grew up looking up to them especially Mukanya. I grew up hearing about him from my dad but I have worked with Doctor Mtukudzi a lot of times. So sharing the stage with Mukanya is a dream come true for any young artiste like me who looks up to him,” Tight said.
Tight said that having an opportunity to share the stage with Mapfumo is God’s doing as it will take his career to the next level.
The Big Bira Concert is scheduled for 28 April in Glamis Arena in Harare and will also feature Mtukudzi, among others. -@kayskudzai
