Makhosazana Kunene
Youths are using their talents to motivate and encourage their peers not to turn to drugs when life becomes difficult.
The sentiments were shared by Nkazimulo Mpala of Emganwini High School and Charmaine Ndlara of Montrose High School, who used music to spread awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Ndlara and Princess had the opportunity to perform their song Idakamizwa at a mega event hosted at the AMP Theatre.
Princess said her personal experiences inspired her to write the song as part of a music examination at school.
She said she had watched some of her neighbours and friends turn to drugs, a development that deeply affected her.
“I watched my neighbours, people who had the potential for a good life. They were talented and had futures, but life hit hard and took a U-turn. Drugs became their shelter and escape. It was painful to watch someone you know slowly lose themselves. It hurts,” she said.
She said the experiences motivated her to write Idakamizwa, which carries a message discouraging young people from drug abuse.
She added that she wanted to create a song that was entertaining and relatable rather than simply lecturing young people.
“I thought, why not write a song instead of giving a boring lecture?” she said.
Ndlara also expressed concern that drug abuse awareness campaigns were not doing enough to change young people’s behaviour.
“It has been a long time since youths were given awareness, but still there has been no change,” she said.
Mpala encouraged young people to embrace and develop their talents, saying drug abuse could destroy their future prospects.
“There is more to life. Drugs can ruin your career. Your talent can take you somewhere. If you take drugs, you are ruining it,” he said.
Young people were encouraged to nurture their dreams and remain focused on their ambitions, as having goals to work towards could help keep them away from drugs and other harmful activities.
