Arts and Entertainment Reporter
HARARE – Mai Morgan, the widow of legendary Zimbabwean musician Leonard Dembo, has issued a stern warning to Zimdancehall artist Silent Killer for allegedly copying her late husband’s song.
In a viral video, she expressed her frustration over musicians using Dembo’s music without permission, emphasizing the need for respect for the original artist’s work.
Last year, Silent Killer released a rendition of Dembo’s classic “Musha Rudziiko,” using the instrumental from “Ndire Ndire” by ZCC Mbungo Stars. The song quickly gained popularity, becoming a crowd favorite during his performances.
However, Mai Morgan is not pleased with how some artists are treating her husband’s legacy.
“Kune vaye vaye vanoita zvekuti heee Leonard Dembo akafa saka ndakuita zvandinoda nema songs ake. Unongodzura yakadaro ozongoisa zvima voice zvake zviya zvekuti anenge akutonyangadza song yakasiya yagadzirwa zvakanaka,” she stated, urging musicians to seek permission before remixing Dembo’s songs.
She continued, “Hatisi kuda zvekusungisana. Hatisi kuda kuita zve noise, hatisi kuda zvekurwa. Kana wafunga kuti unoda kuita nziyo ya Leonard, vana va Leonard varipo. Tendai aripo, Morgan aripo. Huya utaure navo vanokupa mvumo yekuti wanga wafunga kuita sei.”
As of now, Silent Killer has not publicly responded to Mai Morgan’s warning. The reaction to her message has been mixed among fans and the public.
One fan, Sheilla, commented, “Ye ngwere inotonakidza kudarika original kkkk ngairire ngwere,” suggesting that Silent Killer’s version is more enjoyable than the original.
Another user, Tirivashe, pointed out, “Dembo ndiye akatobira Ngwere song yake,” implying that Dembo himself had borrowed elements from other artists.
George added a note of clarification, stating, “Point of correction: ngwere did not remix the song. He sampled a few lines from the song, a common practice by many artists world over.”
In contrast, Eugenia remarked, “Ndire ndire ndomuridzi we song iyi ndoirikutonzwika kudarika zva dembo izvo,” indicating that the original song is still more impactful.
Rumbidzai chimed in with a warning of her own, saying, “Variryt mai ava anamai Charamba vakazoita sei Jah zvinozobhowa gara wagadzirisa nyaya dzako,” suggesting that the issue could escalate if not addressed properly.
As the debate continues, Mai Morgan’s call for respect and permission in the music industry highlights the ongoing challenges artists face in preserving their legacies while navigating the evolving landscape of music.
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