Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
VETERAN entertainer Willom Tight is a larger-than-life character.
Approaching his 54th birthday next month, the easy-going star musician believes he was born to entertain the masses.
His strength lies in his powerful song-writing technique, authenticity and humility.
After navigating the music industry terrain for 30 years, he feels he has experienced it all, but remains committed to giving back to the music community that helped him in his journey to stardom.
Following a period of hibernation, the crooner with Manicaland roots, is determined to reshape the music landscape.
As a multifaceted individual, he doesn’t put all his eggs in one basket; he is equally focused on making a positive impact in the lives of others. Easily remembered for chart-toppers like “Wekumaruzevha,” “Nyoka Inyoka,” and “Maria,” the veteran crooner has left a footprint of success on the music landscape that is hard to ignore.
Despite building an impressive body of work set to inspire future generations, the Tight Family boss’ whereabouts have been a matter of conjecture.
However, The Herald Arts tracked him down, and he opened up about his plans.
Now an “elder” in showbiz circles, Willom Tight, who fathered a talented son, Garry Tight, has vowed to contribute to the creative sector until the end.
Currently, he is busy at his farm in Headlands, where he specialises in tobacco farming.
“I might be a musician, but I have always loved farming,” said the veteran crooner.
“Piggery has always been my fall back or side hustle, as you might want to say in street lingo, but I have just tried my hand at tobacco farming.
“By the way, my roots lie in Manicaland, which happens to be a great region for tobacco farming. I was persuaded by a relative to try it, and I am glad that I made the right choice,” he said.
The revered entertainer, who toured the world with the late national hero Dr Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, said he has always learned to work hard.
“I am one well-groomed person, and at the same time, my mentors taught me to work hard. Last year in September, I fell in love with tobacco farming, and I can easily say I now spend most of my time at my farm. I am self-funding, and the idea is really paying off, to say the least. This is the best move I have ever made in my life,” he stressed.
Now a father-figure in Headlands, Willom Tight—real name Willbroad Muponda—has not stopped grooming young talent.
Of course, many people know him for showing his son Garry Tight the way and the light, but he hasn’t limited himself to his family.
“Whenever I move around the Headlands community in my spare time, I meet quite a number of talented artists determined to make an impression in their careers.
“Some of the lads have been asking for my expertise to mentor them, and I always do that whenever I am free.
“I have managed to take some of them to Harare to record their music, and very soon you will hear them on the radio,” he said.
Reminiscing about his past in music, he gave credit to the late Mtukudzi for showing him the way.
“My career would be meaningless without mentioning Tuku’s influence. The departed legend had an ear for good music and an eye for good talent.
“He took me on board, and we toured the world together. It’s quite unfortunate that we lost him, but I still salute him even in his grave,” he stressed.
Better known for his combination with pint-sized chanter Dino Mudondo, Willom Tight believes they made an impact.
“I know people still talk about my combination with Dino Mudondo, but one thing they should know is that we were not meant to be together for life. I met Dino when he was doing something, and we can always regroup whenever there is a need for that union.
“He is my good buddy, and I will never forsake him and vice versa. Our career paths were different, but we have one thing in common: pursuing good music,” he said.
He also cleared the air that there was no bad blood between him and Dino.
“It’s quite sad when people rush to conclusions that Dino and I had a fallout. As I said earlier, Dino and I will always work together when need arises.
“For instance, we have some projects we did together last year, and that alone is enough testimony to show you that we are good buddies,” he said.
On his relationship with Mathew Kaunda, who has since given his life to Christ, Willom said that they are still making music.
“Mateo and I are still in touch and doing good music. We had planned a Valentine’s Day show, but we couldn’t go ahead because of ill preparations.
“Our fans should expect more from us because we are still alive and kicking.
“Nothing will stop us from giving them the good music they are yearning for, as has become the norm.”
Besides grooming his son Garry to be his own man, he feels he still needs to do more to shine.
“The music industry is not a stroll in the park, and my son Garry is not spared.
“I am just praying that he stays afloat, and he needs to work hard and think outside the box because the music industry is fast evolving.
“My relief is that he has mastered the art, and I will always be there for him to guide him as he navigates this terrain,” he said.
Buoyed by a rich discography of albums and singles comprising “Wekumaruzevha,” “Hodzeko,” “African Paradox,” among others, Willom is a talented star who has seen it all.
Of course, he has watched many of his peers die, but he believes God has highly favoured him.
“I have always wanted to lead a normal life and stay away from controversy.
“I am challenging anyone who thinks I have a scandal to come forward and tell the world. I will always maintain a simple life, which is my principle,” he said.
Love or loathe him, Willom Tight is a star whose music touched the hearts of many and he will always be remembered as one of Zimbabwe’s finest artistes.
Peter Tanyanyiwa