Online Reporter
Trust Khosa,
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Today is an emotional day for the Dembo family, the music fraternity and fans.
It is the day the late Leonard Dembomavara Tazvivinga died, leaving a void that has been hard to fill.
He died on April 9, 1996, aged 36.
Dembo, who was far ahead of his time, would have turned 66 later this year.
A creative genius, the late singer’s work remains as wonderful as ever.
Thirty years after his death, sweeping changes have affected the creative sector, and authenticity has increasingly been replaced by Artificial Intelligence, but his organic music still rules the roost. It is encouraging that millions continue to dance and party to his classic compositions.
However, the true custodians of the legend, the Dembo family, are celebrating with mixed feelings.
His children — Tendai, Morgen and Fenistia — will take full responsibility for the commemorations, while the mother, who has been battling a health condition that resulted in an amputation, will take a back seat.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Dembo’s daughter said the family regards 30 years since his death as a milestone they will always cherish.
“I was only five when he died, and I still have a strong spiritual connection with my father,” she said.
“As we honour my father’s legacy, we will hold a private function on the day he died (April 9), laying wreaths and observing other customs as has become the norm.
“A big event will be held this Saturday in Chirumhanzu where lucky fans will walk away with a number of goodies. I always make it a tradition to travel home each year for my father’s celebrations.”
Fenny, as she is popularly known, firmly believes her father deserves to be honoured as he continues to “rule from the grave.” “It is quite an honour having a father like him whose compositions still appeal to fans, and we will continue doing our best to ensure the legacy lives on.”
In a recent interview she even likened him to the late American King of Pop, Michael Jackson. “He could have been the Michael Jackson of Africa without doubt. He was ahead of his time. He touched the hearts of many and we will always cherish his legacy,” she said.
Musically, she has been producing remixes of her late father’s love songs, giving them an urban, contemporary feel. Her brother Tendai, who fronts the new-look Barura Express, did not promise much but assured fans they will be pleased.
“Thirty years is a milestone we do not take lightly, and to all our fans: please come and celebrate with us in Chaka. We have made it a tradition to honour him that way and we will continue the practice,” he said.
Their brother Morgen, long described as the carbon copy of Dembo, assured fans the day will not pass unnoticed. “We still miss him, but we are together in spirit,” Morgen said.
With Dembo’s children ready for the big day, his widow, Mai Dembo — née Eunice Munatsi — says she will mark the anniversary with a heavy heart.
“I do not know what to say because each anniversary opens old wounds and I wish he were here fighting in our corner.
“A lot has happened. I have done my best fighting for what is rightfully my children’s royalties and so on, but I am losing the fight. I have left everything to God, and now it is my children’s turn to ensure we celebrate and honour their father’s legacy,” Mai Dembo said:
She added:
“The pain is still the same—the loss is simply unbearable. He stood by his family and we all know what he did for the country and the industry. But it has been 30 years of hustling and struggling to make ends meet, like many widows of celebrated figures.”
She finds comfort in the rich catalogue of songs he left behind, including “Chitekete”, “Venenzia”, “Sharai”, “Dudzai”, “Manager”, “Kukura Hakutane”, “Gire” and “Nhamo Moto,” among others.
In fact, each and every track by Dembo was a hit, bringing sanctuary to those in despair, the downtrodden and dedicated souls.
