No Heeps uses hip-hop culture to steer youths away from substance abuse

Drug and substance abuse has become one of the most pressing social challenges confronting Zimbabwe today. Communities across the country have raised alarm over the proliferation of dangerous substances and the devastating impact they are having on families, schools and neighbourhoods.

Gift Moyo [email protected]

WHAT started as a movement to preserve Bulawayo’s hip hop culture has evolved into a youth empowerment initiative that is helping steer young people away from substance abuse while creating opportunities for creativiy, networking and entrepreneurship.

Founded by Bulawayo creative Dalubuhle “Sonk” Lunga, No Heeps is a hip-hop-inspired social platform that provides young people with a safe space to express themselves through music, art, fashion and dance, while fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

At a time when underage substance abuse continues to pose a growing social challenge, the initiative has emerged as an alternative environment where young people can socialise without the pressures often associated with the city’s nightlife.

Initially conceived as a gathering for hip-hop enthusiasts, No Heeps has since grown into a thriving community that attracts young creatives from different backgrounds who share a passion for self-expression and positive engagement.

Lunga said the initiative was built on the belief that entertainment does not have to revolve around drugs or alcohol.

“No Heeps creates an environment where young people can go out, be creative and express themselves through art, fashion, music and dance while immersing themselves in hip hop culture. The platform we’ve created is inclusive and welcoming, even for those who may not sing or dance, but simply want to be part of a positive community,” he said.

Beyond providing entertainment, Lunga said the initiative seeks to challenge the long-held perception that youth leisure activities are synonymous with substance abuse. Recognising that many young people are drawn into harmful lifestyles because of peer pressure or unemployment, No Heeps has incorporated entrepreneurship into its model by creating income-generating opportunities for its members.

One of its flagship programmes is a youth-driven event promotion network made up of college and high school students who earn commissions from ticket sales.

“We’ve built a community of event promoters comprising both college and high school students. Each student earns a commission based on the number of tickets they sell. This gives them an income stream to help meet their basic needs without exposing themselves to the dangers associated with the nightlife economy.”

The initiative has also won praise from local artistes, who say the atmosphere created by No Heeps allows them to perform in a safer and more engaging environment.

Musicians such as OXY and Chris JP have applauded the platform for attracting audiences focused on the music rather than intoxication, resulting in enjoyable experiences for both performers and fans.

While the initiative continues to grow, Lunga believes its greatest impact lies beyond entertainment. His long-term vision is to develop No Heeps into a self-sustaining creative ecosystem where young people with different skills can collaborate, exchange services and generate income within their own community.

“This is what the No Heeps community has become: a small micro-economy where a videographer can connect with an artiste who needs a music video, a designer can work with a musician, and opportunities continue to circulate. It’s one big circulation of capital within one community,” he said.