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Trust Khosa
SOME OF the country’s top yesteryear musicians are set to feature on a song which raises awareness against drug and substance abuse.
Shepherd Chinyani and Kireni Zulu are spearheading the production of a song titled “Mutoriro — Zvinodhaka”, which is being recorded at Trutone Studios owned by Jabulani Ndlovu.
The pair has roped in other yesteryear legends in the song due for release mid next month.
Participating artists are Jonah Moyo, Mitchell Jambo, Knowledge Kunenyati, Elijah Madzikatire, Job Mashanda and Foster “The Force” Mkweu, among others.
“We have been holding a series of meetings as legends to revive many careers but the drug abuse menace also came into our agenda.
“Following a spike in drug abuse cases, we are going to record a song raising awareness against this cancer.
“As elders, we cannot afford to remain silent as productive people are dying of drug abuse,” he said.
Kireni, who has been spearheading the campaign together with Chinyani, said a video will accompany the song.
“Jabulani Ndlovu has given us free studio time and we really appreciate the gesture.
“After recording the audio with all the aforementioned legends, we will also take the opportunity to shoot the video.
“All the artistes we have mentioned will also add their voices to the song to ensure that it is lyrically rich.”
The Marabi king told The Herald Arts that the song was part of the yesteryear musicians’ efforts to contribute to issues of national interest.
“The country is reeling from numerous societal issues which need our attention for them to be addressed. As such, we cannot afford to be mum since we have ways to denounce such ills.
“Drug abuse, early marriages and ritual murders are some of the issues that need to be condemned and stopped to make Zimbabwe a better place to live,” he said.
Kireni appealed for support from willing sponsors and partners to make their campaign a success.
“After recording the song, our mission is to raise awareness countrywide and make sure that the message is sent out to the masses. However, the process needs funding and that is the area where we are calling partners to come on board.
“With most of us living from hand to mouth, it is hard to reach out to many people out there,” he said.
Kireni, who has been calling for unity among creatives, reckons that issues of national interest require collaboration.
“It is never too late for yesteryear musicians to form alliances with the new crop of singers and hold similar campaigns.
“As the old guard, we have seen it all and we can also make some meaningful contribution towards issues of national interest, especially towards anti-drug abuse campaigns. The issue is now affecting both the young and seasoned musicians,” he added.
Drug and substance abuse has become a challenge among youths, including prominent personalities in the arts sector.
Youthful stars who have opened up about drug abuse comprise Takura, Saintfloew, Pauline Gundidza and Dobba Don.
The drug menace is also affecting the old guard although most of them do not usually open up. According to Zulu, such matters will be handled decisively through musical campaigns and make Zimbabwe free from drugs.
Online Reporter