adminMaria Chiguvari
FROM popping pills and smoking marijuana to binge drinking, drug and alcohol abuse has plagued the music industry for years.
As a result, drugs and recording artists appear to be some form of Siamese twins.
Several reports have come out that before concerts, during shows and at recording sessions, substance abuse is defining the lifestyle of countless performers across all genres.
Sungura artist, Mark Ngwazi, says artists should shun such practices and stop depending on substances to boost their live performances.
Ngwazi revealed this at the Fresh Kambucha back-to-school anti-drug campaign at Dzivarasekwa Stadium on Saturday.
He said artists should value their talents rather than see such gifts being wasted away by drugs.
In an interview with H-Metro, Ngwazi said many young artists perform while they are high on either drugs or alcohol.
“My message to all the young artists is for them to stop using drugs to perform better.
“Some of us perform without using drugs and it always brings out the best in us.
“I don’t use drugs, so why should all these young people abuse drugs just to give a good performance?”
He said musicians were more vulnerable than the general population as they were always trying to impress the public.
“Most artists find it easier to use drugs and alcohol than to be a sober person in a room, especially when they are seeking approval from the audience,” he said.
The awareness campaign in Dzivaresekwa featured artists like She Calaz, Holy Ten, Enzo Ishall, Guspy Warrior, King Shaddy and Blot.
It’s the latest initiative by the company and its founder, Francis Niyonsaba, in their anti-drugs campaign.
The firm is also using football to help in the fight against drug abuse in the country.
Niyonsaba is originally from Uganda.
“It hurts to see the youths perishing because of something which can be avoided,” said the businessman.
“These youths are vulnerable to drugs because they don’t have people who are supporting their dreams and being unoccupied is also a big problem on its own.
“So, we decided to do something that can help these youths to realise their dreams and we are grateful to everyone who came to support this initiative.
“We are aiming to take this initiative in every city because drugs are not only affecting the youths here in Mbare but everywhere.”
Online Reporter