HARARE – As the 30th anniversary of Leonard Dembo’s death approaches, his widow, Eunice, has revealed her struggles and feelings of abandonment by Zimbabwe and the music industry that profited from her late husband’s artistry. Dembo, who died on April 9, 1996, at the young age of 36, left behind a musical legacy that continues to resonate with Zimbabweans, but his widow says she is living a life far removed from the success he achieved.
Dembo’s premature death came at the height of his career, with his hit album, Chitekete, still making waves across the nation. The album sold over 100,000 copies, and its title song was even played at the Miss World 1994 beauty pageant, where Zimbabwean contestant Angeline Musasiwa finished third.
Despite this success, Eunice Dembo says she feels neglected by the country, the music industry, and even her late husband’s fans. “What is hurting me and night is that I am now feeling neglected by Zimbabweans and the whole world,” she said.
Eunice, who is now confined to a wheelchair, says her health challenges make her situation even more difficult. “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,” she lamented. “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.”
She added that her wheelchair is her only means of transport, mainly for moving between her bedroom and the toilet, and that she is unable to push herself to the hospital for weekly check-ups.
Eunice revealed that the family no longer owns a car and struggles to pay medical bills. “My husband died 29 years ago and we no longer have even a single car,” she said. “My medical bills are unbearable.”
She expressed her frustration with the lack of recognition and support for Dembo’s legacy. “I have a lot to tell this world about Dembo but I will never say it until they reciprocally acknowledge Dembo’s legacy,” she stated. “Imagine, even Dembo’s recording company is just quiet about his musical royalties since his death.”
Despite the passage of time, Eunice said her love for Dembo remains strong. “Ndomuda zvisingayite, even aripo pasi paari ipapa ndiri kutonzwa kumuda zvisingaite, may his dearest soul rest in peace,” she said.
She also addressed her late husband directly, saying, “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?”
Eunice revealed that she had attempted to pursue legal action regarding royalties but was forced to abandon the effort due to lack of funds. “I tried to use lawyers but I finally dropped it because I no longer have any money,” she said. “The house you left for us is now owing the Council almost US$5 000 in arrears for years.”
She noted that their children are now grown, and they have two granddaughters from their sons, Tindo and Morgan.
Recently, Leonard Dembo was honoured at the Zimbabwe Community Trailblazers Awards in Harare, with his sons, Morgan and Tendai, accepting the award on his behalf. However, the awards do not come with any financial benefits.
Despite her disappointment, Eunice expressed her gratitude for the recognition. “So far, handina chiri kundifadza pazvose, kunzekwez vanda it irwa won has iizv ive Zimbabwe Community Trailblazers Award, vatondigonera,” she said. “I am, at least, delighted by this award won by my beloved late husband, Leonard.”
Morgan Dembo consoled his mother and thanked the Zimbabwe Community Trailblazers awards and Doctor Johannes Marisa for their support. “This award shows that our father was the people’s artist, it’s a legacy we must keep alive,” he said.
