Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The Zimdancehall community has warmly welcomed the Church’s intervention in supporting Government efforts to combat drug and substance abuse.
This consensus was reached during the 2025 Harare Cup Clash prize-giving ceremony held yesterday in Donnybrooke, Harare.
Visually-impaired artistes — Mogo Vibes and Lady D — emerged as the biggest winners, receiving title deeds to their respective residential stands, courtesy of Prophet Kudakwashe Jose of Victorious Generation International Church.
The clergyman, honouring his commitment to support artists in the fight against drug and substance abuse, has expressed his dedication to collaborating with musicians in this important initiative.
“We have fulfilled our promise of providing two residential stands as a way of empowering artistes to fight against drug abuse. As the main sponsor, we are urging these winners to say ‘no’ to drug abuse and ‘yes’ to Jesus Christ,” he emphasised.
“This is only the beginning, as more programmes are on the way.
“We are doing this to complement our government, which has been making significant strides in the fight against drug and substance abuse. As a church, we want to give them hope by encouraging them to come to us and receive Jesus.”
He also mentioned that their relationship with the Zimdancehall community was destined to grow stronger.
“We are in this fight together, and we are in the process of building rehabilitation centres.”
Mogo Vibes, who was left speechless after being presented with the title deeds, echoed the same message.
“Words are not enough to describe how I feel after winning this top prize, but the main issue now is that we must fight drug and substance abuse together.
“In my case, I don’t take drugs, and I compose every track with a sober mind, which has made me unique. I can confidently say that this is one of the strategies I employ, and I urge my fellow artists to be smart and learn from me,” stated the Chivhu-based chanter.
Born Fortune Mandishona, the 24-year-old stressed that drug abuse has stifled talent.
“We can only win this war together, and everything that has been said here about denouncing drugs makes sense. We need to put it into practice to save future generations,” he noted.
He expressed his delight at winning the contest in style.
“I have been longing for this for a long time, and I am happy that everything went according to plan at the contest. While I have participated in similar competitions, today’s event was particularly special to me, and I will continue striving for excellence.”
His fellow winner, Lady D, whose real name is Diana Jonasi, was overwhelmed with emotion as she received her title deeds.
Fighting back tears, she sang the popular Shona hymn “Ndinoshamiswa Kwazvo.” “Words cannot express this feeling. I have been longing for this for so long, and it truly is a dream come true,” she said.
She also denounced drug abuse as a new cancer in the community, welcoming various stakeholders who have come on board to serve as ambassadors.
“Besides receiving this residential stand, I am grateful because we are now being used as ambassadors in the fight against drug abuse. This new cancer has wreaked havoc in several communities, and we pray that we can combine our forces to combat this together. I am grateful to Prophet Jose, who is spearheading this campaign as one of the main sponsors of the Harare Cup Clash. We have been longing for this drive because drug and substance abuse have caused numerous problems,” she pointed out.
Other winners who walked away with valuable prizes, including bedroom suites, cellphones and cash, included TNG Kamukadzi, Hijackers, Young Silent and Mad Flex.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Junior Category winners — Young Silent and Jah Kancho — will have their school fees covered by Partson Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions.
He has pledged to pay Young Silent’s fees for two years, as well as providing uniforms.
The promoter will also cover Jah Kancho’s school fees for a year and provide school uniforms.
His stable has been closely working with schools to ensure that they empower talented learners in the arts and sports.
