Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has gifted a brand-new 2024 Toyota Fortuner to Eunice Dembo, the widow of Zimbabwean music legend Leonard Dembo.
Chivayo decided to make the generous gesture after Eunice made a public appeal for financial help. Along with the car, he also gave her a US$50,000 cash gift to help her start a business.
In a recent interview, Eunice shared her feelings of being neglected by the music industry, which had gained so much from her late husband’s work.
She also revealed that she is now in a wheelchair and struggles to manage everyday tasks like going for medical check-ups.
Responding to her situation at the time, Chivayo, who is a fan of Dembo’s music, joked that Eunice should have simply asked him for a car.
On February 21, National Youth Day in Zimbabwe, Chivayo posted on X (formerly Twitter) that it broke his heart to see Dembo’s family living in hardship despite his remarkable musical legacy. Wrote Chivayo:
<blockquote>
In the spirit of EMPOWERMENT, I have been deeply moved by the online PLEA from Mrs. Eunice Dembo, the widow of the legendary Zimbabwean music icon, LEONARD DEMBO, for financial support.
Despite the distinguished musical genius that DEMBO was, selling more than 100,000 copies of his album and music played at the Miss World Pageant in 1994, It breaks my heart that his family has NOT benefited from his LEGACY and his wife now lives in destitution.
Dembo is actually one of my best yesteryear musician and some of my personal favourites include Chitekete, Shamwari Yangu Warova, Venenziya and Ruva Rashe, which are themselves ANTHEMS at weddings and various events in Zimbabwe and across the GLOBE.
This National Youth Day reminds us of the need to EMPOWER and support one another, and on that account, I say a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Mrs. Dembo. Please go to EXQUISITE CAR SALE tomorrow, Saturday 22 February 2025, and collect a BRAND SPANKING NEW 2024 Toyota Fortuner 4×4 Automatic that has been FULLY paid for.
In addition, please collect US$50,000 in CASH to start a BUSINESS of your choice that will provide financial stability for your family.
For your SAFETY and peace of mind, a HEAVILY ARMED and adequately prepared security team will be assigned to escort you, whether to the Bank to deposit the money or to make any purchases to establish your BUSINESS.
Your security is of UTMOST importance and will not be compromised. It is our duty as the youth, to PRESERVE LEGACIES and uplift those in need.
</blockquote>
Chivayo also gifted a Toyota Aqua to each of Dembo’s three children: Tendai, Morgan, and Fenistia. He wrote:
<blockquote>
National Youth Day is about SECURING THE FUTURE for all YOUNG Zimbabweans and no young person who carries the legacy of our HEROES should be left behind.
It is in this spirit that I also want to recognize TENDAI, MORGAN and FENISTIA DEMBO, the children of the Late MUSIC ICON, who like many Zimbabwean youth, are working hard to uphold their father’s legacy.
You represent the next generation of artists, leaders and entrepreneurs, and it is only fitting that on such a day which celebrates youth empowerment you also get something.
Please go to ENTERPRISE CAR SALE and see Madzibaba Chipaga and get a TOYOTA AQUA each.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

Wicknell Chivayo gave a new car and $50,000 to Leonard Dembo's widow, Eunice, who asked for help. She feels overlooked by the music industry and struggles to do daily tasks. Chivayo, a Dembo fan, also gave cars to Dembo's kids. He wants to empower and support Dembo's family because they didn't benefit from his music legacy. Chivayo hopes to inspire youth by helping the next generation of artists and leaders.

Chivayo Gifts Four Cars To Late Music Icon Leonard Dembo's Family

The widow of sungura legend Leonard Dembo, Eunice said that she feels neglected by the country’s music industry, which benefited greatly from her late husband’s artistry.
In a recent interview with <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/letter-to-leonard-all-your-fans-have-abandoned-me-says-legends-widow-your-ex-recording-company-didnt-give-me-even-a-cent-im-now-on-a-wheelchair-and-my-hea/">H-Metro</a>, Eunice said that she feels both Zimbabweans and the international community have overlooked her and her family. She said:
<blockquote>
It’s worse now because I am in 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 in 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.
</blockquote>
Dembo passed away on April 9, 1996, at the age of 36, leaving behind his widow, Eunice, who has faced numerous challenges since his death.
His untimely passing occurred at the peak of his career, with his popular album Chitekete still enjoying widespread success.
The album sold over 100,000 copies, and its title song was featured at the Miss World 1994 pageant, where Angeline Musasiwa placed third.
Eunice said that Dembo’s recording company, Gramma Music, stopped supporting her years ago, and she can no longer afford legal fees.
She also revealed that she is facing nearly US$5,000 in arrears to council for their house.
The couple had two sons, Morgan and Tendai, and a daughter. They now have three granddaughters, two from Tendai and one from Morgan.
In response to the story, businessman Wicknell Chivayo, known for his generous contributions to musicians, commented on X:
<blockquote>
Zvinongonzi Sir Wicky munogara muchiposta muchi ridza murume wangu ndokumbirawo ndioneiwo ne ka Fortuner please 🤣🤣🚙🚙🚙
</blockquote>

Leonard Dembo's widow, Eunice, feels forgotten by the music industry after her husband's death. She is in a wheelchair and struggling to get medical help. Their recording company stopped supporting her, and she is facing financial difficulties. Leonard was a famous singer whose album sold many copies. Eunice is now taking care of their grandchildren. Wicknell Chivayo joked about buying her a car. Eunice is facing many challenges and feels abandoned by the industry that benefited from her husband's music.

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