Leonard Dembo and Barura Express
Group Biography -- Group Discography -- Compilation Appearances

Biography

Born: 1961. Died: 1997

A musician of a Leonard Zhakata mold, the 20th century's final decade saw Leonard Dembo emerge as the latest in a line of domestic superstars. Some consider his music to be classic Zimbabwean rhumba, while other feel its sungura. One thing is for certain; no matter how it is classified, it is good! Despite starting his musical career in 1985, Leonard Dembo didn't hit full-stride until the 1990s. The former cattle herder became insanely popular with his 1992 hit Chitekete, in which his lyrics drew upon traditional Shona sayings. According to Afropop, the track was so popular (it sold more than 100 000 copies) that it became a standard wedding song. Dembo and his band, Barura Express, stuck to their guitar band-sound, pumping out both danceable and singable hits. Sadly, tragedy struck as the band hit full stride. Dembo died before his music had the opportunity to truly reach international audiences. Leonard died of AIDS in 1997.

Despite the death of their talismanic leader, Barura Express has continued touring and recording without Dembo.

Afropop Bio

Sources: Zindi, MusicYeZimbabwe and Afropop.

Discography (limited) Very Best of... Gramma - ZCD113 2001 Singles Collection: Volume Two Gramma - ZCD103 1997 Shiri Yakangwara Gallo - MCGMP 40648 1995 Paw Paw Gallo - MCGMP 40574 1995 Nzungu Ndamenya RTP - CD1002 1994 Kukura Kwedu     Ruva Rashe     Nhamo Moto     Tinokumbira Kurarama     Kuziva Mbuya Huudzwa     Mazano RTP 1993 Chitekete Gramma - L4 KSALP132 1992 Sharai Gramma 1987

Compilation Appearances Early Hits Shawari Yangu Warova Everyone's Child Shiri Yakangwara

Chitekete

Released: 1992
Label: Gramma - L4 KSALP132
Format: LP, Cassette
Running Time:
Stocked by:

Mazano

Released: 1992
Label: Gallo - MCGMP 40404, RTP
Format: LP, Cassette, CD
Running Time:
Stocked by: Zimsounds

Includes the hit Wapindwa.

Nzungu Ndamenya

Released: 1994
Label: RTP - CD1002, Gallo - MCGMP 40531
Format: Cassette, CD
Running Time:
Stocked by: Natari, Stern's, Zimsounds

Includes the hit title track.

Shiri Yakangwara

Released: 1994
Label: Gallo - MCGMP 40648
Format: LP, Cassette, CD
Running Time:
Stocked by: Zimsounds

Includes the hit Yakangwara.

Singles Collection: Volume Two

Released: 1997
Label: Gramma - ZCD103
Format: CD
Running Time: 7tracks.
Stocked by: Dandemutande, Stern's, Zimsounds

Another Dembo retrospective. An earlier compilation, this album contains many of the same tracks as the above Very Best of... CD.

The Very Best of...

Released: 2001
Label: Gramma - ZCD113
Format: CD
Running Time: 72 minutes, 9 tracks.
Stocked by: Dandemutande, Natari, Stern's, Zimsounds

This latest collection of Leanord's hits is just another of the excellent albums available from Zimsite. Well over an hour of music, the CD showcases 9 of Leonard's best tracks, including his 1992 smash Chitekete. Both singable and danceable, this is one of my favourite Zimbabwean albums.