When I Was Born

Many have heard about Greatman the musician however very little has been said about Tongai Gwaze the man off stage. This story is about Tongai Gwaze the man. Tongai was born with a physical disability in Matovanyika farm to a young couple. Tongai Gwaze later went on to be known by his stage name “Greatman”. Tongai attended his primary education at Jairos Jiri Primary School in Harare. He subsequently progressed to Mhangura Seondary School where he completed his secondary education. Like any boy or girl born with a disability, Tongai (Greatman) faced his fair share of stigma and discrimination which he viewed as his greatest motivation to become the incredible musical icon we have come to adore and love.

Greatman started his musical journey in the year 2011. He released his debut nine track album titled “Chikara” in 2017. Sadly, the project was unsuccessful. He however did not give up working on his musical talent. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he released his second album called “Cheziya” which featured Suluman Chimbetu a popular Zimbabwean Afro-Jazz musician on a song which he composed and recorded titled Pandakazvarwa (loosely translated to mean; when I was born). The song describes how Tongai’s parents were really concerned about the young infant’s future given the fact that he was born with a disability.

Mr Bright Kadengu’s (Thisability Hub Creative Director), first encounter with the Younger Tongai was at a disability event which was held in the Harare Gardens in 2018. During the event he was well dressed. Greatman has a mission of inspiring others through performing his song Pandakazvarwa during the event. He approached the ‘powers that be’ for permission to perform his song, sadly they initially declined his request. It was after much pleading that he was eventually allowed to perform. Unfortunately the event was drawing to a close when he given the platform to perform and showcase his God given talent to the multitudes who had started to leave just before he got on the stage. Greatman caught many people unaware as he made them stop and listen to what was a surprisingly splendid performance.

From that day going forward it was evident that the disability fraternity of Zimbabwe had produced a confident -and courageous, musical star. The Pandakazvarwa hit maker has gone to become one of Zimbabwe’s finest musicians and he continues to make great strides in the industry. He is indeed a Greatman!