On this day in 1996, Leonard Tazvivinga Dembo, also nicknamed Musoro We Nyoka died.

Born on February 6 1959 in Chivi, Masvingo, the Zimbabwean guitar-band musician and member of the band Barura Express started singing aged 9.

Dembo, whose real name was Kwangwari Gwaindepi’s early childhood is not fully documented.

However, his relatives alleged that he grew up without his father, an experience he later on reflected in his song writing, particularly in such songs as Nhamo Moto and Nhamo Iya ndakura Nayo.

He attended primary school initially in Buhera, and later in Bulawayo, and also in Chembira School, Harare.

However, he allegedly did not attend secondary school. On completing primary school he returned to Bulawayo looking for work.

His singing career

Dembo was interested in singing from as early as nine when he was a shepherd-boy and later when he moved to Bulawayo to look for work soon after the Zimbabwean Independence.

He was largely inspired by the success of such other musicians such as Jonah Moyo and the Chimbetu Brothers.

His music incorporated traditional Shona sayings in his lyrics and his musical style was rhumba-based, played on electric guitars tuned to emulate the characteristic sounds of the mbira.

Dembo seemed to have been interested in love songs. Also known as the King Of Sungura music, due to the lead guitarist skills he had from the creative melodies he churned,  

Dembo is still a legend in Zimbabwe as his songs still continue to sell widely and budding musicians find inspiration from his hits.

May his soul rest in peace.