Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) will take their anti-drug and substance abuse awareness campaign to another level this year.
This is in response to a noticeable increase in drug abuse cases, including among the stars of the country’s music industry and other creative sectors.
Various stakeholders have been calling for urgent action to protect the talented individuals within the creative sector.
Recently, some prominent creatives, who have had legal issues related to drug abuse include Shinsoman, Blot and Ras Pompy, to name but a few.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, NACZ public relations and marketing manager, Agga Nyabinde, revealed that they will utilise industry-wide awareness and dialogue as a means of combating drug and substance abuse.
“We have integrated wellness and substance abuse discussions into our workshops, seminars and outreach programmes,” he said.
Nyabinde assured stakeholders that they will roll out a series of initiatives to tackle drug and substance abuse within the rapidly growing creative community.
“This includes topics on mental health, financial management, and coping mechanisms for stress, equipping creatives with the tools to navigate the pressures of their careers.
“We also support and promote programmes led by respected figures within the arts community who advocate for a drug-free lifestyle.
“These peer ambassadors are critical in changing perceptions and reducing stigma, making it easier for individuals to seek help.”
Asked whether the creative community was losing its fight against drug and substance abuse, Nyabinde said this was not the case.
“It would be inaccurate to say the community is losing.
“Rather, it is engaged in a difficult struggle but we see tremendous resilience.
“Countless artists, musicians, actors and writers produce inspiring work while leading balanced, healthy lives.
“The narrative of the ‘tortured artist,’ who needs substances to create, is a harmful stereotype we are actively dismantling.”
Over the years, many creatives have been performing under the influence of alcohol or marijuana, which has been strongly condemned by the NACZ.
Reflecting on the progress they have made in fighting drug and substance abuse, Nyabinde said notable positives have been recorded so far.
“We are proud to say that through our professionalism campaign, which started early last year, many creatives now view art as a serious business and understand the negative impacts of being intoxicated on duty.”
He was also optimistic that the campaign would help save the creative community, despite acknowledging that there are still some individuals who need assistance.
Nyabinde’s major concern was addiction, which is difficult to manage once someone is ensnared in its grip.
“At the moment, we are seeing encouraging progress. The most significant result is the breaking of the silence.
“Conversations about substance abuse, once taboo, are now taking place openly in rehearsals, backstage, and on social media platforms led by creatives.
“This cultural shift is the first and most critical step. We have witnessed, and we applaud, several creatives who have fought this pandemic and conquered it by accessing rehabilitation services.
“We can see a positive change in how they carry themselves and conduct business.
“The NACZ remains dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of Zimbabwe’s creative force.
“We believe that protecting our artists is synonymous with protecting our national cultural heritage. We call upon all stakeholders – families, media, fans, and corporate partners to join the mission of fighting drug and substance abuse.”
There are calls for the establishment of more rehabilitation centres to assist those who are addicted.
Mathew Masinge