Online Reporter
Takawira Photoveteran Dapi
LEONARD Dembo’s widow feels the world has abandoned her.
Her late husband gave the country one of its biggest hits of all-time and the family was living the time of their dreams.
But, as the clock ticks towards 30 years since Dembo’s death at the relatively young age of 36, his widow is living a miserable life.
Dembo died on April 9, 1996.
His premature death came at the height of his success with his hit album, Chitekete, still making waves around the country.
Chitekete sold over 100,000 copies and its title song was played at the Miss World 1994 beauty pageant where Angeline Musasiwa finished third.
Dembo’s widow, Eunice, says she feels the country’s musical industry, which reaped a considerable fortune from her late husband’s artistry, has turned its back on her.
She feels the entire country has also turned its back on her.
“What is hurting me and night is that I am now feeling neglected by Zimbabweans and the whole world,” said Eunice.
“It’s worse now because I am on a wheelchair and it appears no one wants to accept me as their late legend’s widow.
“I am even struggling to go for simple things like medical check-ups even though I have many health challenges which are troubling my body, I am now idle, just stranded on my wheelchair.
“This is my only form of transport to move me around and it’s mainly from the bedroom to the toilet.
“I cannot push myself to the hospital weekly.”
She added:
“My husband died 29 years ago and we no longer have even a single car.
“My medical bills are unbearable.
“I have a lot to tell this world about Dembo but I will never say it until they reciprocally acknowledge Dembo’s legacy.
“Handizvitaure zvamusati makambonzwa zviri pasi pasi pemoyo wangu.
“Imagine, even Dembo’s recording company is just quiet about his musical royalties since his death.”
She said the passage of time has not diluted her love for Dembo.
“Ndomuda zvisingayite, even aripo pasi paari ipapa ndiri kutonzwa kumuda zvisingaite, may his dearest soul rest in peace.
“To you my dear Leonard, I say your fans have entirely rejected me, your Gramma Music Company rejected me a long time back.
“What can I do now my dear Leonard?
“I tried to use lawyers but I finally dropped it because I no longer have any money.
“The house you left for us is now owing the Council almost US$5 000 in arrears for years.
“Your two boys and a girl are now grown-ups.
“We now have two granddaughters, two from Tindo and one from Morgan.”
Her late husband was honoured at the Zimbabwe Community Trailblazers Awards in Harare on Friday night.
The awards, though, do not carry financial rewards.
Her sons − Morgan and Tendai − accepted the award on behalf of their late father.
“So far, handina chiri kundifadza pazvose, kunze kwezvandaitirwawo nhasi izvi ve Zimbabwe Community Trailblazers Award, vatondigonera.
“I am, at least, delighted by this award won by my beloved late husband, Leonard.
“This world, its people and its corporate sector, I honestly believe that they know that my husband and his Barura Express band members were major stars and they deserve all these awards.
“As a family we are happy with this Zimbabwe Community Trailblazers award.”
Morgan consoled his mother as she poured out her disappointment.
“Thank you to Zimbabwe Community Trailblazers awards and thank you Doctor Johannes Marisa for helping us with family medical help and a lot for our upkeep.
“This award shows that our father was the people’s artist, it’s a legacy we must keep alive.”
Mathew Masinge
