Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
AFRO-JAZZ crooner and academic, Maizon Tazvitya, believes that the war against drug and substance abuse can be won if stakeholders remain firm and resolute.
The Ancient Tribes boss has been holding monthly shows campaigning against substance abuse.
During these campaigns, Maizon has been working alongside policymakers, health experts, and Government officials to tackle the issue.
The creative genius will be holding another engagement with fans and policymakers on Friday in Harare.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Maizon said:
“A central goal is to shift the narrative from stigma to understanding by addressing the root causes of substance use, including unemployment, mental health challenges, and peer pressure, so that no one is left behind in the attainment of Vision 2030.
“Institutions such as the Harare Institute of Technology and the University of Zimbabwe, which have partnered with the Ancient Tribes band on monthly anti-drug initiatives, will participate to strengthen outreach to students, who are particularly vulnerable.”
The crooner said it was critical to include learning institutions to win the battle.
“Universities play a critical role in information dissemination, research, and student mentorship, making them key partners in sustaining long-term behaviour change.
“The event will also feature four organisations working directly with survivors and rehabilitation services.
“The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, which runs drug testing and rehabilitation facilities in Harare, Restore Life, a centre providing psycho-education, prevention, and post-rehabilitation support to more than 2,000 young people since 2022, the Angel of Hope Foundation, which collaborates with Government to provide skills training for recovering youth, and the Drug-Free Livelihoods Centre under the Ministry of Health and Child Care, which offers vocational training and reintegration support across eight centres nationwide.
“Through live Afro Jazz performances and facilitated dialogues, the concert will disseminate accurate information on prevention, treatment, and reintegration pathways for affected individuals and families.”
Tazvitya’s background in the social sciences informs the use of artistic platforms to address drug abuse, gender-based violence, breast cancer awareness, and other public health challenges affecting communities.
“Expected results include increased public awareness, stronger referral linkages to treatment and counselling services, and greater youth participation in peer-led prevention programs.
“The concert is also expected to strengthen partnerships among cultural practitioners, health professionals, academic institutions, and civil society to sustain evidence-based messaging beyond the event.
“These outcomes align directly with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 under the Health and Well-being, Human Capital Development, and Youth, Sport and Culture pillars, which prioritise reducing substance abuse and improving community resilience.
“By integrating arts, education and stakeholder engagement, the initiative complements Government efforts under the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse and the Multi-Sectoral Action Plan launched in 2024.”
He added:
“The involvement of rehabilitation centres and survivor support organisations ensures that information reaches communities in a practical, actionable manner, making the fight against substance abuse everyone’s responsibility.
“The concert seeks to contribute to a healthier, more productive population capable of driving Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation toward middle-income status by 2030.”
