malvernmugadzikwa
Society Reporter
GRAMMY-nominated Zimbabwean reggae/Afro-jazz singer King Isaac has joined the fight against drug and substance abuse through his latest single, “Usatore Mutoriro”. The song admonishes youths against the use of crystal meth (also known as mutoriro) and any other drugs and substances. It is the United States-based musician’s second project this year, following the release of his sixth album, “Love Talk”, in February. The album features tracks like “The Score” — a collaboration with veteran Jamaican dancehall DJ Chaka Demus — and “Uye Uye”, which is a solo effort. Both songs were released as singles. They were later featured on “Love Talk”. “The Score” clinched the Classic 263 Song of The Year Award during the Top 50 Hits of The Year. Below are excerpts of an interview that King Isaac (KI) had with The Sunday Mail(SM) Society.
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SM: What prompted you to write the song?
KI: We are facing a serious crisis among our people, especially the youths, with the abuse of drugs. I have seen the pain, havoc and hopelessness this is bringing to youths and their families.
SM: In your view, what can be done to combat drug and substance abuse?
KI: The nation must come together to combat the scourge. Siblings, parents, Government, preachers and teachers should all come together and devise plans and strategies for this emergency.
SM: Do those kids featured on the video (for the song) understand the effects of drug and substance abuse?
KI: The cast was phenomenal and their acting is second to none, as you can see for yourself in the video. They each gave it their all, and the director, Artwell Mukonyora, of Angel Arts Productions, did a fantastic job. In terms of their awareness, Artwell, who worked closely with the crew, says the participants have been taught about the problems, many of which they have seen first-hand in their own neighbourhoods.
SM: Some people feel the song would have made much impact with a Zimdancehall or hip-hop beat, as opposed to the reggae sound. What is your take?
KI: A great song is a great song, no matter what genre of music you perform it in. As it is, we are getting a lot of young people telling us how much they love the song. Good music crosses all boundaries and categories.
SM: Who is your targeted audience and have you witnessed, first-hand, the effects of drug addiction on youths in Zimbabwe?
KI: This is a song for everyone. It encourages the youths who are taking drugs to stop and those not taking them but are thinking of doing so not to try it. Lyrics in the song came from first-hand experience, seeing the manner in which the drugs are altering the thinking and behaviour of our youths.
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