Tight son’s heartbreak after contract boob

Standard Style
WILLBROAD “Willom Tight” Muponda’s rising son Gary has spoken of his heartbreak after a dream collaboration with his father was shattered by terms of a contract the yesteryear hitmaker has with a South African record label.

WILLBROAD “Willom Tight” Muponda’s rising son Gary has spoken of his heartbreak after a dream collaboration with his father was shattered by terms of a contract the yesteryear hitmaker has with a South African record label.

BY KENNEDY NYAVAYA

Willom and Gary Tight
Willom and Gary Tight

Gary said his father had a 10-year contract with Shamiso Records owned by Gilbert Muvavarirwa that restricted him from doing what could have been a father-son collaboration.

Willom wanted to join hands with his son on award-winning producer MacDee’s Blesser Groove Riddim but was stopped by Muvavarirwa at the 11th hour.

The Ndinoda Wangu hitmaker is only four years into the contract.

Willom managed to resuscitate his career after collaborations with his son that produced hits like Tight Party and Toite Basa.

Gary told The Standard Style that they were working on ironing out the legal issues so that he can do other projects with his father in the future.

“My dad is more like a friend to me and we are trying to work on papers that will make it possible for us to continue working together because we definitely have more collaborations coming this year, although I am also focusing on some solo projects,” he said.

“That project was our first attempt at a riddim and both of us were motivated. It was painful that he was removed.”

However, the 22-year-old Pakare Paye Arts Centre protégé said he had found comfort in that the Blesser Groove Riddim was getting significant airplay on local radio stations.

Gary, who plays both the mbira and guitar has gradually risen in admirable style as he continues to strengthen his career in this competitive music industry.

He has so far rubbed shoulders with seasoned artistes, among them his mentor Oliver Mtukudzi, Leonard Zhakata and Jah Prayzah at high profile concerts.

“Things are moving,” he said. “I have released some singles that are doing well on the market and promoters are recognising my works and giving me a platform to showcase my talent at live shows.

Willom said the failed collaboration was now water under the bridge as they were now focused on future projects.

“There is a lot of work happening behind the scenes, but we cannot disclose the projects to avoid similar problems and people will only get to know of them when they are released. Music is our life and we continue to make more of it,” he said.

“I am happy to be working with Gary whom I used to take to events and studios when he was a toddler. It is a dream come true seeing him doing well in the industry.”

Willom became a household name and was regarded as one of the most talented Afro-Jazz musicians when he released the album Ndinoda Wangu.

However, over the years he seemed to lose the grip until recently when he combined with his son in a union that resuscitated his fading career.

The Willom-Gary collaboration reminded many music followers of Oliver Mtukudzi and his late son Sam who popularised the Nzou neMhuruyayo concerts, a father and son music affair.