Musicians in Zimbabwe are increasingly using their platforms to address pressing issues such as drug abuse. This has been seen in campaigns being launched against drug cartels highlighting their negative impact on society.

Drug and substance abuse also known as substance misuse refers to the harmful use of drugs which can lead to devastating physical and mental health complications: straining inter-personal relationships, self-development and can even result in premature deaths.

Types of substances involved include illegal drugs (cocaine and methamphetamines etc), prescription medications (broncleer, stimulants and sedatives amongst others), alcohol (excessive consumption leading to addiction) as well as tobacco products (smoking cigarettes or using other forms of tobacco).

In January this year, King of marabi music and author Kireni Zulu coordinated over 25 Zimbabwean music legends to record and produce the song ‘Mutoriro- Regai Zvinodhaka’ which advocates and fights against drug and substance abuse. The initiative reflected the collective concern over rising drug abuse cases in the country.

To add on recent releases: Pauline Gundidza, Dhadza D and Fuzzy L also released a song titled ‘Its Never Too Late.’ The song was aimed at addressing the effects of substance abuse on society. Gundidza also emphasized that it is crucial for artists to engage in such discussions through their work.

In December 2024, Ndunge Yut launched an impactful campaign to speak out against drug and substance abuse in Highfield, Harare.

Notable figures such as Saintfloew, Tryson Chimbetu and Pauline Gundidza have successfully fought against drug abuse through rehabilitation efforts.

Seeing young people affected by drug and substance abuse, it evokes a complex selection of emotions and thoughts.

Can we say these drug awareness campaigns are a waste of time, there is need for more prevention strategies OR we can say the awareness campaigns are helping in drug and substance abuse reduction???