Tribute To A Legend Poem by Reginald Ruwende

Enshrined in our shrines is the carcass of an icon
Archived in our archives are the achievements of a prodigy
An outstanding outsider from the Outsiders outfit
A maestro who mastered the art of local rhumba
Churning out powerful vibes standing the test of time
That legendary talking and ululating lead guitar
The unparalleled wizardry of the legend himself
The powerful bass line, the secret to everlasting beats
The piercing rhythm, the icing on the work
Telepathic combination of the bass and thundering drums,
Exquisite stuff out of this world
Barura or is it Bvambura express
An appropriate name for a crew dishing non-stop hits
Who can ever forget the blockbuster 'Chitekete'
A party would not be without it
In malls, taverns, taxis, pubs, shebeens - 'Chitekete' rocked
Before the euphoria died down a blazing 12 inch production was unleashed
Gire flipped by Zii zii, piercing songs that demonstrated guitar strumming excellence
Then came the gem packed album Tinokumbira Kurarama
Dembo at his very best, proving he was in a class of his own
Another smash hit Zvaunoda Handingazvigone was unleashed
An instant hit which rocked the airwaves
Other hits of yesteryear complete a career adorned with so much glitter and glamour
9 April 1996 the legend untimely departed
What a loss, what a bereavement it was
Numerous copycats then sprouted around
In vain they tried to emulate the fallen legend
Nevertheless a testimony of how influential the legend was
Mudhara Dembo, wish you had lived to date to hear my adulation
But wherever you are I hope this ode puts a smile on your face
Rest In Eternal Peace Leonard 'Musorowenyoka' Dembo!
May we forever cherish your immense contribution to local music
Rest In Eternal Peace Kwangwari Gwaendepi!