Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

ECOBANK’S Legends Night took the fight against drug and substance abuse to the entertainment arena, with musicians calling on young people to shun drugs and embrace positive lifestyles.

Addressing guests at the event held on Saturday at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare, popular guitarist Clive Mono Mukundu said initiatives that brought young people together through music were part of efforts to pass positive values to the next generation.

Mukundu commended Ecobank and Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa for supporting programmes aimed at empowering young people and promoting drug-free lifestyles.

“Honourable Deputy Minister Tongai Mnangagwa, when you are saying the youth should not do drugs, this is what it means. When you say pass the torch to the next generation, this is the torch,” he said.

“So what are we waiting for? Should they do drugs? I want to thank you for supporting the kids and Ecobank, thank you so much.”

The Legends Night brought together veteran musicians and entertainment enthusiasts in a programme that used music and mentorship to engage different generations.

Mukundu said Zimbabwe needed to promote unity and forgiveness while creating a positive environment for young people.

“Zimbabwe is a nation of love, so we need to forgive all the people who were shouting,” he said.

The event comes amid growing efforts by Government, the private sector and other stakeholders to combat drug and substance abuse among young people, with awareness campaigns increasingly using sport, music and entertainment to reach wider audiences.

The initiative also provided a platform for established musicians to interact with younger generations, reinforcing calls for young people to make responsible choices and pursue productive activities.

The event demonstrated the potential of entertainment platforms to complement formal drug-awareness programmes by taking prevention messages directly to young audiences.