Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Harare-based music instructor and social worker Emmanuel “Mr Chacks” Chakanyuka is determined to fully utilise his influence to combat drug and substance abuse.
He firmly believes that a combined effort is needed to tackle this monster, which has unsettled several communities, as drug lords are now on the prowl.
Residing in Caledonia, a suburb located about 17 kilometres east of Harare, Chakanyuka, who has been in the music industry for 30 years, believes it is time to expand his campaign on a national level.
He has been collaborating with fellow musicians John Chari and Calvin Machona to hold a series of shows in their densely populated community. “I have been conducting these campaigns in Caledonia, where drug and substance abuse is rampant and costing many lives,” he shared.
“Having taught both locally and regionally, I have realised that I have a special calling to lead such initiatives, and I am excited to take this mission national. However, we must first address the issue within our community before expanding our efforts. I have witnessed too many people dying, and this deeply touches my heart. I intend to use my influence to help combat this scourge.”
Mr Chacks has also taken his message to various radio stations, emphasising the need for influencers to support Governmental efforts in raising awareness about these pressing issues.
“To be honest, the Government is doing its part in raising awareness, but I challenge both emerging and established creatives to step forward and denounce these societal ills.
“For those engaging in drug use, it’s crucial to stop before they become addicts, as that makes quitting far more difficult.
“I can’t thank our President enough for leading this special campaign in addressing the issue to all Zimbabweans,” he emphasised.
Mr Chacks, who made headlines recounting his survival of Cyclone Freddy in Blantyre, Malawi, where he taught for five years, believes in the unifying power of music.
“I have seen how music can console people in times of disaster, as was the case with me when I survived Cyclone Freddy in Malawi, trapped in rural areas. Using that experience, I aim to address this new scourge and offer strength to those who have lost loved ones to this growing crisis.”
He is currently hosting road shows and recording new music with his producer, Trust Chipisa of T & C Records, who recorded his popular song “Pepani a Malawi.”
This project were supplied by the Embassy of Malawi in Zimbabwe and the BBC ran it.
Mr Chacks, who enjoys teaching young learners, is proficient in Chewa, Shona, Swahili, Tonga and English.
Over the years, he has collaborated with artistes such as Nqobile Malinga, Pax Gomo, Mr Spoxx and the Chipisa brothers — Trust and Gift. In addition to his new campaign, the 49-year-old music instructor is promoting his latest single, “Last Supper,” a spiritually uplifting song backed by The Sermons Vibes Band. Coming from a musical family, he was inspired by his late Aaron Chinamira Chakanyuka, who led Dendende Express.
“Chinamira was my brother who paved the way for our music career. I still miss him for everything he did in putting our family name on the map. Although he passed at his peak, we continue to carry on his legacy.”
Born in Gutu and trained at Marymount Teachers College in Mutare, Mr Chacks has taught at several schools in Zimbabwe and abroad. He was the first music technician at Midlands State University and has run music programmes on multiple radio stations, a path he still aspires to pursue.
