Dembo siblings ill-advised: Mjintu

Chibadura, System Tazvida, just to single out a few, music fans expect to get equally good music from their offspring.
That has not been the case, because the children of these musical legends have failed to measure up to their late parents’ musical prowess.
A number of bands left by fallen musicians have failed to keep the torch burning, living their legion of fans starved of uplifting music.
The few that scratched the surface are struggling to release their own albums, while some are merely riding on public sympathy.
One striking example is that of the Dembo brothers, Morgan and Tendai, who have failed to rise to the occasion despite the lofty heights achieved by their late father, Leonard “Musorowenyoka” Dembo achieved.
The late frontman of Barura Express must be turning in his grave as his sons have failed to carry his legacy.
Innocent Mjintu, one of the surviving members of Barura Express, said the pair was ill-advised, something that has contributed to their demise. Mjintu, who worked with Dembo for over a decade, said the duo could have done better had they received proper guidance.
“I started working with Dembo in 1988 till he breathed his last in 1996.
“During that time his two boys, now heirs to the throne of Barura Express were still very young. We had a good working relationship.
“While growing up, they were not willing to learn what they needed to do to carry their father’s brand and ultimately grow their own.
“I told them that we could still grow the brand but we needed to work together.
“However, after meeting some other musicians, they got the wrong advice on how to do things.
“They approached me and said they needed to do their own thing and that is how we parted ways,” said Mjintu.
He adds: “Even though they have recorded their first album, I think it is still early to judge whether they will manage to maintain the Barura beat.”
Mjintu, however, said he was willing to teach the pair some tenets of good music.
“Whenever I meet their mother, she often asks me whether the two are coming to me for advice. Instead of telling her the truth, they tell her a different story,” he said.
No comment could be obtained from the Dembo brothers.