Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Barura Express frontman Tendai Dembo and his camp’s “pact” with the Zimbabwe National Army is now paying off, as the singer has been endorsed by the force to support its projects.
After his first performance at 2 Infantry Brigade’s end-of-year party last year, held in Cranborne, Harare, he seems to have won the hearts of army chiefs.
As a reciprocal gesture, he has vowed to mentor young creatives, who are interested in music, helping them reach their maximum potential.
He has made his intentions clear to assist young learners by recently performing at the commissioning of a 77-seater bus at Infantry Brigade.
Not only is the Dembo brand appreciated by the ZNA, but Tendai also performed at Infantry Brigade Primary School.
Family friend and Barura Express patron, Captain Edfree January, brokered the deal that saw Tendai performing at the event.
“We are glad that Tendai Dembo has been working with us and he gives it all each time we rope him in for his services,” Captain January told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“It was a fun-filled day where we commissioned our bus, which was purchased by parents.
“To ensure that the event lived up to expectations, there was need for entertainment and we opted for Tendai Dembo because we have dealt with him before. He is a professional artiste, and his conduct will take him far.”
The school head also hailed Tendai for his willingness to mentor some of the talented learners at the school.
“When he performed at the school, one of our Grade 6 learners — Anesu Mapenda —was given the green light to come and showcase his talent in front of parents. He is a talented drama performer and was given the opportunity to show us that he is destined for stardom.”
Captain January also praised Government for introducing a heritage-based curriculum, where learners are also taught critical life issues, including arts.
“Our heritage-based curriculum is equally good in promoting creatives, and we are glad that music is one of the subjects covered. We will play our part and continue to assist learners,” said the school head, who leads 1 800 learners. In another interview, Tendai said he was equally excited to get the opportunity to shine at the show.
“I have been working with the Zimbabwe National Army for years, performing at their events,” Tendai said.
“I have built strong ties with them, and I will perform to my best each time I get an opportunity to perform there. There is a lot of talent at ZNA, and their schools are well equipped to empower learners.
“We have also identified one of the learners who is a good drummer. After allowing him to perform at the commissioning of the bus, we are eager to keep in touch with him.”
Tendai has vowed to mentor the youngster, alongside other learners with a passion for art.
“It is my responsibility to ensure that we continue giving him exposure so he can excel in his field. We are grateful that he is also in safe hands at the school where he attended. Such talents should not be allowed to go to waste, but should be nurtured — and that has always been our wish over the years.
“I will do everything in my power to make sure that the Grade 6 learner pursues both academics and music,” he added.
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