Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
STOP it Gary Tight!
The glitter of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) had barely settled when a family-and-industry storm erupted, pitting generations, egos and ownership rights against each other.
At the centre of the drama is Dino Mudondo, who has publicly fired a warning shot at Gary, the son of sungura star Willom Tight.
This was after Gary took to social media blasting Dino and NAMA organisers.
Gary’s grievance?
That organisers muted Willom Tight’s part during Dino’s performance of the hit Chirangano Chedu.
The young firebrand accused both the veteran artist and the awards body of disrespecting his father.
But Dino was having none of it and he responded with a lengthy, no-holds-barred statement that has since divided the nation.
Dino made it clear that while he respects Willom Tight deeply, Chirangano Chedu is his song, full stop.
“But chirangano i song yangu which I featured and paid a flat fee to all the featured artists Willom, Roki and Sarah Mwayera,” Dino said, stressing that all collaborators were properly compensated.
“So no one can tell me what to do or when to sing my song.
“Not even Garry kusangozivawo hake kuti ma collabo anofambiswa sei. He should start by going to ZIMURA onobvunza kuti kana muchiti song composed by… zvinorevei.”
Despite the tough tone, Dino reiterated his respect for Willom Tight is lifelong.
“Like the saying goes, once a brother always a brother. I have great respect for Willom for life,” he said, revealing that he even allows Willom to perform his songs freely during shows.
Dino reminded Gary that respect is non-negotiable:
“Pliz remind him kuti respect chinhu chikuru the next time you see him playing my songs during his show.”
Ironically, Gary later struck a softer tone, posting:
“Congratulations National Arts Merit Awards on a great event asi kana paine chamakatadzirwa nababa vangu varegerereiwo zvinogona kutozopfurira nekuvana vangu chatova chikumbiro thank you.”
The apology-tinged message did little to cool tempers, with fans fiercely choosing sides.
As social media burns, Dino closed with a cultural reminder, quoting the late John Chibadura:
“Vabereki rayirayi vana venyu vachiri vadiki… kuti vagokura vachiziva kuti mangoma aya ane ma-rules.”
Lesson or lecture?
Either way, this NAMA fallout has exposed a harsh truth – in Zimbabwean music, legacy earns respect, but ownership still rules the mic.
Mathew Masinge