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.

Leonard Dembo's Widow Feels Neglected By Music Industry

Sungura music legend <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Leonard_Dembo">Leonard Dembo</a> who died in 1996 could be conferred with national hero status.
The Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation will soon send a proposal to the Government to consider conferring Dembo the national hero status.
This was said by Midlands Provincial Arts and Culture Development Promotions Administrator, Shackson Reward at the 25th anniversary and tombstone unveiling of the late Dembo at his graveside at Chaka in Chirumanzu on Saturday. Said Reward:
<blockquote>
We will soon hold a meeting over this issue and the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa is definitely going to look at how to accord Dembo some national honour.
Dembo’s music speaks volumes of his contribution to the culture of our country. He placed Zimbabwe on the map and his hit song Chiteketete was played at the Miss World pageant in Windhoek in Namibia in 1996.
</blockquote>
Dembo will become the second musician to be declared a national hero after Oliver Mtukudzi if the Government accepts the proposal.
Besides Mtukudzi, several other musicians have been honoured by the Government, albeit, with lower hero status.
Simon Chimbetu, Dickson “Chinx” Chingaira and Zimdancehall chanter Saul Musaka aka Soul Jah Love were all declared provincial heroes.
However, unlike the others, Chingaira is the only one who participated in the liberation struggle when he joined the war in Mozambique.
Dembo’s most well-known releases include Chitekete (1991), Tinokumbira Kurarama (1992), Mazano (1993), Nzungu Ndamenya (1994) and Babamunini (1996).
He died at the age of 37 on 9 April 1996, at the Avenues Clinic in Harare. He was laid to rest at his rural home in Chaka on 10 April.
<h4>More: <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/leonard-dembo-poised-for-national-hero-status/">The Mirror</a></h4>

Leonard Dembo Poised For National Hero Status

Yesteryear’s Sungura sensation Leonard Dembo’s son Morgen spoke to H Metro and notified the publication about his desire to release his album and why he decided to go and live in the countryside with his grandmother.
Dembo spoke to the H Metro and said he was living in Beatrice now because his grandmother was not feeling well:
<blockquote>I’m in Beatrice right now with my grandmother at the plot since she has been unwell for a while. The illness has been compounded with old age but it is my hope that she will be fine with God’s grace
I have just decided to settle here and be close to her monitoring her progress of course with the help of my relatives. Life here at the plot is good and there is no pressure in Beatrice as compared to Harare where I have always loved my granny and I will do my best in my power to ensure that she recovers.
At the plot, bamunini Gift Dembo and my other aunt are the people who are also monitoring our grandmother daily. Not to be outdone is my mother and siblings who have always been there for the family and of course ambuya. This is what I call family because we are united and always together</blockquote>
Speaking about his music, Dembo said:
<blockquote>I have been recording my album in Harare where we have laid some tracks and you can get more information from Knowledge Nkoma.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/morgen-dembo-settles-in-beatrice/">H Metro</a>

Leonard Dembo's Son Morgen Talks Country Living And His Upcoming Album

Dendera musician Sulumani Chimbetu has revealed that Tendai Dembo son to the late musician Leonard Dembo sacrificed his education in order to ‘ protect’ his father’s legacy.
Speaking at Tendai’s sixth-album launch with was held at Eastpoint in Harare  Sulu articulated that
<blockquote>
I have known Tendai and Morgan for some time. Tendai was more of an academic person, but he had to shelve plans of going to university in order to pursue a career in music and protect his father legacy.
I am happy that he has come of age and is doing well on the music side, keeping his father’s legacy alive. I am also told that he is now doing his studies, balancing with music.
</blockquote>
Tendai together with his brother Morgan they once went through apprenticeship which they got from Sungura maestro Alex Macheso. After six years they got experience in the industry and took over Barura music which their father left.
<div>Tendai’s album launch was supported by music promoter Patson Chimbodza who is popularly known as ” Chipaz.”</div>
<div></div>
<div>The album entitled “Dzinda” has got six songs which include Sori Dhiya Wangu, Chemedzai, Rufu, Changu, Asi Chiiko Nhai? and Mupi Wemazano.</div>
<div></div>
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Dembo's Son Sacrificed  For His Father's Legacy: Sulu Revealed

Leonard Dembo’s mother, Sukai Pasipanodya, on Saturday received assistance from about 30 of her son’s fans who visited her home in Beatrice after a story was published by The Herald that she was in need.
She received a solar powered radio, groceries, blankets, clothes as well as cash from well-wishers. Her grandson Tendai Dembo failed to make it due to other commitments and the fans decided to proceed without a family representative. Mbuya Dembo had prepared for the event with her neighbours. The fans held a small party for her and thanked her for giving birth to one of the best musicians ever to grace Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="http://www.herald.co.zw/smiles-tears-and-laughter%e2%80%a2-%e2%80%a2-%e2%80%a2-as-leonard-dembos-fans-honour-his-mother/">Herald</a>

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