Dembo inspires Chinerwi to pursue music

THE late sungura maestro Leonard Dembo undoubtedly might have smiled from the grave if he could hear that he inspired rising sungura musician Edison Chinerwi (pictured) to venture into the world of music.

Dembo’s prowess in the music industry has inspired several artistes, both seasoned and rising ones like Chinerwi, who frontlines Cherechedzo Express.

In an interview with NewsDay Life &Style, the Bikita-bred Chinerwi said growing up listening to Dembo’s music inspired him to venture into music and become the singer he is today.

Chinerwi said his latest six-track second album titled Nguva Nevana touches on various issues ranging from societal to love.

“The album Nguva Nevana was worth the wait that was caused by the COVID-19-induced lockdown. The album is themed around societal issues and love,” he said.

“It was my principle to take time to gather up enough resources, courage and confidence so as to produce the best. Many projects fail because of poor timing, speedy production with limited resources and I did not like to fall into that pit.” Chinerwi said he always waits for God’s timing to release new music.

“I do not only make hits, but I make music. Life stories laid bare for the people to hear. Even though I had already written this album before the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 felt like the right time to release it,” he said. In one of the songs titled Mai Samantha, the sungura ace offers advice to women to take heed of their husbands’ advice and be strong housewives who stand the test of time in their marriages, while uncles and aunties take the role of shaping the young couples’ relationships. In Pachedu, Chinerwi addresses the importance of unity of purpose in strengthening the family bonds and these include openness and friendship. Some of the songs on the album are Sesedzai, Shanda Hama, Sangoredu, and the title track Nguva Nevana.