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Ashton, Gary Tight and Tuku performing at Sam Mtukudzi’s tribute concert

Melissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
Being chosen to perform with a legend is never an easy task because there is so much pressure to deliver. It is even worse when you are entrusted to sing the songs of the legend’s heir. But this was no ordinary heir. This was Sam Mtukudzi. A legend in the making who was promoted to higher glory before realising his full potential as a musician.

It was thus a daunting task that lay on the shoulders of young Gary Tight – Willom’s son. Would he be up to the task? Would he pay proper tribute and homage to the sacred memory of Sam whose earthly name like the Biblical namesake had “conquerer” and “super-human” written all over it?

Sam who was born on April 1, 1988, died on March 15, 2010, after he was involved in a car accident when he was travelling back to Norton from Harare.

After convincing the Mtukudzi family, who had for years, not been comfortable with holding gigs to celebrate Sam’s life after his death, Taka Mashonganyika – who has been responsible for promoting most of Tuku’s gigs – was given the green light to hold a tribute concert, at Pakare Paye Arts Centre last Friday.

This would be one of the major gigs for the late Sam who was still fairly new in the music industry, performing at music festivals in South Africa and small venues such as Book Cafe which had become his home. His talent was appreciated at the home of budding artistes as a significant number of music lovers would attend his shows.

Just when many thought he was now ripe for big stages as he was beginning to carve his name as an afro-jazz artiste, he died leaving his AY Band stranded. But he did not leave fans and those who believed in him alone as he left them not one, but probably three albums according to new revelations by his father that he left over 20 unreleased songs.

Sam’s second album – Cheziya – was the first one out as it was released posthumously in 2010. Perfect timing it was as it received a lot of airplay from various local radio stations.

This was not just an urban groove type of album, it contained well thought out lyrics which were full of meaning. The recording was smooth and his voice audible, something which most up-and-coming artistes seem to be failing to do.

After listening to the album then, and those who only got hold of it recently, most began to appreciate his talent. Unfortunately most never had the opportunity to watch him perform live. Though he had performed on the Pakare Paye stage countless times, last Friday was his biggest gig as he was the headline act. Sam was to be represented by his close friend and student, Gary Tight, who would take fans who had packed the venue to the rafters, down memory lane.

After being mentored by Sam, Gary, backed by Ashton and some of Sam’s band members such as Munyaradzi Viya confidently took to the stage in a Tuku inspired outfit. He performed Sam’s hit songs Amai, Pasirino Mamureva Wangu and Kaziwai from albums – Rumwe Rimwe and Cheziya. But it was not all rosy for Gary as he seemed to have lost the crowd somewhere along the line as they started booing him off the stage. One disgruntled fan threw a bottle on the stage, a stunt which shocked Gary as he simply said “ah”.

Proving his experience in the music industry, Tuku who this year celebrated 40 years in the music industry quickly grabbed his guitar and took to the stage to join Gary for the performance of Ishe and Fambai Zvakanaka. Upon seeing Tuku, the crowd started behaving well and stopped throwing things on stage.

Tuku also sang a rendition of Amai, much to the crowd’s applause. The performance of Famba Zvakanaka – a song which made many believe Sam had predicted his death because of its death lyrics – saw Tuku’s wife, Daisy, as well as close friends and family joining Tuku on stage to dance. Fireworks were the cherry on top, lighting up Norton.

Sam’s new album – Misiirwa was also launched last Friday with a theatrical focused on his life expected to be shown in June this year. The 14-track album which is only available is expected to be released to other cities as from today.

Legacy Building Leaders whose mission is to inspire and empower youths awarded Sam with a Legacy Building Leadership Award in recognition of his talent and distinguished contribution to the music industry.

“Sam lived a productive life as evidenced by all the quality of songs he composed. He had a positive attitude to life and a strong work ethic,” Legacy Building Leaders chief executive officer Charles Mugaviri said.

The celebrations were completed by fellow musicians, Sulumani Chimbetu, Jah Prayzah and Alick Macheso. Macheso and Jah Prayzah used the platform to sample songs from their forthcoming projects. Macheso releases his album Tsoka Dzerwendo today and judging by the response his teasers got in Norton, the album will be a hit among many.

Speaking after the show, Tuku said he was impressed by Gary’s performance and was glad the celebrations had gone according to plan.