Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
DJS in Bulawayo are swapping nightclub gigs for stages in the ghetto in a bold effort to tackle youth drug and substance abuse. The initiative, dubbed the Kasi-to-Kasi Tour, kicked off in October and will run until January 2026.
Renowned DJs are visiting Bulawayo’s high-density suburbs, using music and real-life stories to raise awareness and inspire recovery from substance abuse. So far, the tour has reached three western suburbs, where residents have embraced it warmly. While the DJs deliver electrifying sets, the true impact comes when the music pauses for raw stories of struggle, survival and hope.
One such moment, DJ Prince Eskhosini recalls vividly:
“During the tour, we actually had one young man who is a recognised member of the Visionary Cadres Association of Zimbabwe (ViCAZ), one of our partner organisations. The young man was once admitted to Ingutsheni Hospital as an addict, and he came forward to share his recovery story.
“It’s these raw and relatable stories that make the campaign hit home. They bridge the gap between entertainment and education, reminding revellers that the beats they dance to can also be the rhythm of change,” he said.
According to Thina Mpofu, secretary-general of ViCAZ Bulawayo Province, the partnership with the DJ community is part of ViCAZ’s Demand Reduction Pillar, a programme designed to use prevention and education to fight addiction.
“By interlacing prevention messages into live sets, the DJs reach young audiences where they already gather, turning entertainment into a platform for education rather than exposure,” she said.
For Kuda Kunze from New Magwegwe, the campaign’s message strikes close to home. A survivor of addiction, Kunze credits his recovery to the care he received at Ingutsheni Hospital. His story is one of strength, supported by Nyasha, a ViCAZ member and nurse who guided him through recovery.
“This collaboration shows how health services and community engagement can work hand-in-hand to reduce demand for drugs. I hope other organisations take note and continue amplifying such initiatives,” Mpofu said.
Another voice of redemption came from Larry Dhliwayo, a former addict. He recalled how drugs led him into chaos, tearing at the fabric of his life. But today, he stands tall — not as a victim, but as a messenger.
“I want to teach young people about the dangers of drug abuse,” he said.
Despite the promising start, organisers admit it has not been an easy road.
“We still need more hands because working with limited resources weakens our impact and overall intention,” they said.
Fuelled mostly by passion and self-funding, the DJs have been covering expenses for transport, advertising and awareness campaigns out of their own pockets. Still, the effort is gaining momentum as more local businesses and organisations join in.
“We’ve been sustaining ourselves through self-funding from our own pockets for movement, advertising and awareness. Despite that, stakeholders have shown interest and support, especially in advancing social causes such as the #NoToDrugs campaign. People are engaging positively with us,” the organisers added.
The Kasi-to-Kasi Tour is set to visit Entumbane and Nketa 7 in the coming weeks.
