HARARE - Gary Tight (19) says being included by music superstar Oliver Mtukudzi on Abi’angu II, an album that features Tuku’s musical friends, “is the stuff that dreams are made of”.
The forthcoming album, which will be a sequel to Abi’angu released in 2011, will also feature Hugh Masekela (South Africa), Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa), Salif Keita (Mali), South Africa-based Kunle Ayo (Nigeria), Alick Macheso and Ammara Brown.
Gary, the son of Afro-fusion artiste Willom Tight, told the Daily News on Sunday that the move was another demonstration of Tuku’s selflessness.
“For a global music icon like Tuku to include a 19-year-old rookie like me, Gary wozvake, is a real shocker,” said the young musician who leads a group called Zion Originated which includes Takakunda Mukundu (15), eldest son of guitarist-cum-producer Clive Mono Mukundu.
“I thank God and feel very blessed. Ndotenda daddy Tuku nezvavanowona mandiri (I thank daddy Tuku for realising the talent in me). He has always liked me and my music and I will always remain grateful to him.
“During the “Greatest Hits Concert” held at the Harare International Conference Centre a few months ago he invited me to sing his one of his hits and he was doing the backing vocals. It was a dream come true for me to be with the icon on stage.”
Sam Mataure who manages Tuku’s affairs told the Daily News on Sunday that Gary’s inclusion on the forthcoming album reflects the veteran musician’s desire to support upcoming musicians.
“Gary is a talented youngster who Tuku is very delighted to assist. The good part is that he is very level-headed. He is very hard-working and that makes it easy to help him.
“You should also remember that Gary’s father Willom is a good friend of Tuku. It is obviously one of the reasons that makes Tuku very eager to nurture the young man’s talent.”
Mataure, who also doubles up as Tuku’s drummer, is delighted by the exciting blend of experience and youth on Abi’angu II.
“We have top international musicians on the album who will be complemented by an exciting crop of young musicians like Gary and Ammara,” he said.
A few months ago Tuku went to South Africa to re-record his old hit Neria with the help of Joseph Shabalala’s Ladysmith Black Mambazo and for another recording Nigerian star Ayo.
Tuku recently praised his collaboration with South African music icon Shabalala.
“We have performed together at many events and festivals but that wasn’t it. I wanted to do something with you (Shabalala) and finally it has happened,” said the 62-year-old super star after the re-recording of Neria.