MORGAN Dembo, the eldest son to the late sungura legend Leonard Dembo, is tiptoeing back to the Barura Express having watched from the sidelines his younger brother Tendai relaunch a successful music career during the year.
By Moses Mugugunyeki
The two had a fallout after Tendai accused Morgan of excessive drinking, which he said impacted negatively on the group’s performance. After the feud, Morgan went into hibernation and moved to Chiredzi where he stayed with his family.
A source told The Standard Style that Morgan, who last year launched a scathing attack on Tendai after his brother had released a solo album titled Kupa kwaShe, was begging to rejoin Barura Express.
“It seems he wants to rejoin his younger brother although they had a fallout last year. Morgan has been following the group wherever they perform and is allowed to go on stage where he normally sings one or two songs,” the source said.
The Standard Style also witnessed Morgan joining his younger brother on stage at Paramount Club in Chitungwiza recently. He sang two of their father’s tracks to a rapturous response from the audience.
“Morgan imitates his father’s voice very well and is the perfect guy to lead the vocals. Unfortunately, his love for beer is costing him his job. Tendai is strict and wants his brother to stop his bad behaviour,” said the source.
Efforts to contact the Dembo brothers were fruitless last week. Tendai said he was coming for an interview on Friday, but failed to do so. Barura Express manager Albert Bere did not pick up his mobile phone when The Standard Style sought a comment on Friday.
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Bere is said to be running around in an effort to reunite the two brothers. While Tendai is a gifted guitarist, his brother has a voice that is likened to their late father.
However, the source said Morgan has reformed and was trying to win the heart of his young brother.
“Barura Express has improved under the leadership of Tendai. The group members are putting on uniforms and their stage performances are out of this world,” said the source.
Tendai resuscitated Barura Express and relaunched his musical career last year, thanks to the support he got from businessman Chivanga Ndhlukula who bought instruments and provided transport for the group.
Barura Express held several live shows across the country before launching their album Kupa KwaShe at a glamourous ceremony at Private Lounge.
Tendai has carved a niche for himself in the music industry and riding on his father’s success, he has become a darling of many, especially old revellers, wherever he performs.
