Sad to see dead artistes’ relatives struggling

EDITOR — Leonard Dembo was a darling to many Zimbabweans as his music was adored by many and had constructive messages.

We should find ways for the relatives of our artistes to be supported even after they have gone.

On March 19, The Sunday Mail leisure section led with the troubled life of Andy Brown.

His rural homestead is now dilapidated and there were sorry pictures of the lady who was said to be his mother.

Now we sadly read of Leonard Dembo’s tough upbringing, his struggling mother and a collapsed rural homestead.

Some of our music legends did have unpleasant times growing up and this may have, ironically, helped them to excel in music.

Indeed, Leonard Dembo’s hits such as Nhamo Moto; Kukura Kwedu; Kuziva Mbuya Huudzwa, Ndozvireva Kunaani (hunherera humambo); Ndipeiwo Pokupotera and Musingure were inspired by bitter personal experiences.

Leonard Dembo also sang about family values and reminded people of the need to keep in touch with their roots (Sheri Unodada; Kukura Mumhu; Vakakurera Vakuru among others).

It is sad to see his mother in such a pitiful state.

Dembo’s relatives and children, Tendai and Morgan can also do more to help their grandmother.

In other countries the estates of these artistes are well managed and their music continues to make money long after they are dead.

Michael Jackson’s estate made $825 million in 2016.

Our arts industry needs to become a lot more professional and our artistes need to start making money while they are alive and their music should still earn after they are gone. Tawanda Manyika, Domboshava.