The Legend from Barura, still going strong
The first thought that comes to most Zimbabweans, when you mention the name Leonard Dembo, is the song ‘Chitekete’. The 14 minute long title track to his album, has lived long in the heart and soul of many Zimbabweans. In 2005, during Zimbabwe’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, it was voted Zimbabwe’s best song of all time.
Despite not knowing the meaning to the song, many foreigners also appreciate the song’s powerful instrumentation and somewhat profound lyrics.
Leonard Dembo was born in Chivi, Masvingo Province, in 1959. There is some evidence, in his songwriting, that his father was not present to raise him when he grew up. Three songs come to mind: ‘Nhamo Iya Ndakura Nayo’, ‘Nhamo Moto’ and ‘Mai Nevana Vavo’. In these songs he reflects on some of the hardships he had to endure, with his mother, growing up.
‘Mai Nevana Vavo’ talks about how a mother never abandons her children, no matter the circumstance. ‘Nhamo Moto’ talks about how misfortune is merciless towards even an innocent, orphaned child. His early childhood education involved transit between primary schools in Chirumanzu, Buhera, Bulalwayo and Harare. In Harare he attended school at Chembira Primary School, located in a high density suburb called Glen Norah.
In his teens, he felt he had better prospects in Harare and he endeavoured to find work and also pursue his dream to become a musician. He would later team up with a group known as the ‘Outsiders’, led by David Ziome. The township band was quite popular, with tracks such ‘Tendai vaMugabe’ and ‘Grace’.
He began as a session musician, but his fortune was to change when he was given a shot on a track called ‘Maiguru’. The bands’ sound made a total transformation, and with Dembo on the mic, they released two hit songs, Dambudzo and Venenziya.
He went on to have short stint with a band named ‘Five Notes’ in 1983. In 1984, he left the outfit and formed his own group, which he gave the name ‘Barura Express’.
His first album was an LP vinyl dubbed ‘Mai Nevana Vavo’, which was recorded in 1984. The album included the title track, ‘Varaidzo’ and ‘Shamwari’. Leonard Dembo and the Barura Express would forge ahead and record a total of 16 singles and LP albums between 1985 and 1996.
‘Chitekete’ (the album), which was released in 1991 went ‘diamond’ as it sold more than 100 000 copies, and did it within three months of the release date.
Popular tracks include ‘Chinyemu’, ‘Sarura Wako’ and the title track itself. ‘Chitekete’ also made history when it was played during the 1995 Miss Universe Pageant, hosted by Namibia.
In 1995, Leonard fell ill. He spent a period of months at a local prophet’s shrine, seeking deliverance from his unknown ailment. On April 7, 1996, he called to see his children for the last time, before his passing on the 9th of the same month.
Though his life was short, his compositions still live on. He represents success and respect, in the hearts of many. It is hoped he can continue to influence more musicians to achieve as he did.
References
pindula.com, 2017. http://www.pindula.co.zw/Leonard_Dembo#Discography. [Online]
Available at: http://www.pindula.co.zw
[Accessed 19 April 2017].
Sungura, S. o., 2014. http://soundsofsungura.tumblr.com/. [Online]
Available at: http://soundsofsungura.tumblr.com/
[Accessed 19 April 2017].
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