Mai Dembo speaks on sons’ feud

Eunice Dembo, wife to the late Leonard “Musorowenyoka” Dembo, has broken her silence over her two feuding sons Tendai and Morgan, in the process supporting the split of the two. Dembo’s widow, who likes to keep a low profile, said both his sons were grown-ups that needed to focus on developing the legacy that was left behind by their father rather than spend time cat-fighting.

She said the squabbles between Tendai and Morgan were not good for the development of the duo’s careers hinting separation might be the best move for the lads.

She, however, quickly pointed out that it was not her desire to see her offspring part ways.
“I have been observing the situation for a very long time and I can see there is a problem that needs to be rectified since it is threatening not one but both of them. I am not taking sides between my children but one of them, indeed, has a problem,” she noted.

Morgan, the elder brother, is currently on suspension following persistent rowdy behaviour that had begun to dent the image of Barura Express.

The rowdy behaviour, which includes bunking shows or pitching up for performances drunk (which probably has his legendary father, a man of sober habits, turning in his grave) has been attributed to his unconditional love of the “wise waters”

But the ‘‘bad’’ boy refuses to see the error of his ways and rather than reforming, plans to form his own outfit.
“I don’t think I have a problem that deserves such kind of treatment. I should just form my own group and prove a point,” said Morgan.

Since embarking on their musical journey, Tendai and Morgan have for long complemented each other with the former proving to be good with guitars and the later on vocals.

The combination has led music aficionados to reach the verdict that the pair cannot do without each other.
However, Tendai recently went on to release a seven-track album titled Kupa Kwashe without the help of Morgan. Songs from the album that include Chinun’una Kura, Jenifer, Ishe Vanopa and Nherera Zvichengete have gone on to receive favourable airplay on national radios and imbibing places.

And many argue that the decision by Tindo, as he is known by his fans, to go solo is the final blow to the sibling’s rocky working relationship.
“In a family consisting of two or more children, there is bound to be a problem when it comes to work. It is not often that you find them to all have the same work ethic. In a family business, so to speak, there is bound to be one who lacks seriousness and such a character must not be allowed to let others down.

“In this case I feel if Morgan wants to form his own outfit, he is free to do so. I cannot stand in his way. If he goes on to succeed that will be good and if he fails, tough luck. I don’t want to be an impediment in his life,” explained Eunice.

There have been fears though that the two brothers’ musical split is going to affect their family bonds just like has been the case with the Somanje brothers, Daiton and Josphat, but Dembo’s widow is of a different opinion.

She notes that even after splitting, there will still be a platform for them to re-unite should their solo careers not materialise.
“The split in business should not in any way affect their relationship. They presently relate well on the family level and will continue doing so.
“They have so far been able to separate between the business and family life. In actual fact, it will help them grow.

“With each one of them representing himself, they will work hard to succeed and no one will be in a position to blame the other for letting him down,” she said.

Going forward, Eunice pleaded for the public to support her children’s effort.
“I have listened to Tendai’s album and it’s good though I know views differ from people to people. Honestly I did not think he could achieve what he has so far.

“To me it’s more like the hands of time have been turned back to the era of my husband. With the effort that he is applying, I just wish the public support him, and with that support, he will definitely go far,” she said.