Drug Culture In The Zimbabwean Music Industry: Reality Vs Glorification

Hey there, folks! It’s Friday, and you know what that means – time for a casual, laid-back chat about a topic that’s been buzzing around lately. Yup, you guessed it – drugs. It’s become a regular part of our social scene, hasn’t it? We see it everywhere – on the streets, in the news, and even in our favorite songs. It’s like a pandemic, slowly snatching away our loved ones, and we’re left to deal with the aftermath.

Today, I want to dive into the harsh reality of drugs, the stuff they don’t always show on TV. We’ll talk about artists who’ve been brave enough to come clean about their struggles with drug abuse. We’ll also remember those artists who tragically lost their lives to it. Some musicians openly sing about their drug use, while others hide it behind metaphors. And of course, we’ll separate the actual facts from the claims made by addicts.

What Are Drugs?

Now, let’s not beat around the bush. We all know which drugs are floating around these days. We’re talking about stuff like mutoriro and mbanje. Some folks argue that mbanje isn’t really a drug but a herb. Well, I have my own thoughts on that, and I’ll share them with you. But first things first – let’s break it down. What exactly is a drug?

substance, sometimes addictive, which affects the central nervous system.

Or

A chemical or substance, not necessarily for medical purposes, which alters the way the mind or body works.

Or

A substance, especially one which is illegal, ingested for recreational use.

Alright, let’s get real here. I want to explain why I believe weed is indeed a drug and not just a harmless herb. You see, when people smoke it, it can drastically change their behavior, thought processes, actions, way of speaking, and even their perception of things. It’s not just a casual plant that has no impact.

The Reality of Drug Users

In real life, they often struggle financially, living from hand to mouth. They tend to be unkempt, speaking in a rude and vulgar manner. You might notice them walking in an odd and peculiar manner. Unfortunately, some of them resort to stealing due to their desperate financial situation. It’s a side of drug use that you can encounter firsthand, but artists often present a different, more glamorous image, making it seem less serious.

Drugs and The Music Industry

Now, let’s shift our focus to how artists portray drugs in their music. It’s no secret that artists hold significant influence over social media and music videos, and this has played a significant role in the rise of drug abuse in Zimbabwe.

Many artists openly admit to using weed, claiming it helps boost their confidence or aids in their creative process when writing music. Some have even confessed to consuming Marijuana and Crystal Meth. Let’s take a look at a few of these artists:

Let’s talk about one of the most well-known artists, the late Soul Jah Love. He openly admitted to struggling with drug addiction and sought help from Prophet Magaya when things spiraled out of control. In one of his songs back in 2016, he even mentioned Crystal Meth with the lyrics “ndiri kubuka Guka.” It’s clear that his addiction was a significant part of his life, and he bravely chose to confess and seek assistance.

There are other artists as well who have been open about their drug use. Dobba Don, T Gonz, and Saintfloew have all admitted to engaging in drug consumption. Unfortunately, their influence on fans can be quite significant. Many fans tend to imitate their favorite celebrities, and that’s where things can get dangerous.

Behind the scenes, we often see these artists being taken to rehab facilities by their managers. The addiction takes a toll not only on their personal lives but also on their music careers. Managers take it upon themselves to support their artists and help them overcome their addiction.

Drug Glorification in Music Videos

Sometimes, these videos try to make drugs look fancy and appealing. Take “Shisha” or hookah, for example. It’s been shown as something glamorous, but research indicates that it’s highly dangerous. The chemicals inhaled through smoke accumulate in the lungs, potentially leading to severe respiratory diseases.

According to social studies, some argue that vaping and shisha are even more harmful than traditional cigarettes since you’re directly inhaling chemicals into your lungs. However, artists like Takura and Qounfuzed have depicted them as classy and clean in their music videos. The harsh reality, though, is that these substances can be more deadly than you might think. We’ve witnessed real-life cases of people dying or falling seriously ill due to drug use, but music can often downplay the seriousness of the issue.

It’s essential to separate the artistic portrayal from the real-life consequences and make informed decisions about our own well-being.

Drug References in Lyrics

Drugs have taken on various names and phases, and it’s interesting to see how they’re referenced in songs by different artists. Some fans may throw around these phrases without fully understanding their implications, while others are more knowledgeable about the drug culture. Let’s take a closer look at a few songs and artists that touch on this subject.

Holy 10, the owner of Samanyanga Sounds, and his former colleague Saintfloew have a phrase in one of their songs that goes, “Ndenge ndanwa tea saka ndovhunduka chii.” This phrase is considered to be a drug-related statement, as it refers to young people mixing “Bronco” or “Ng’oma” into their tea, which is a substance associated with drug use.

Saintfloew also has a song called “Hutsi” where he openly discusses his personal experience with drugs, seeking help, and the effects they have had on him. Another artist, Dobba Don, has a song called “Mukuru,” and although I’m not familiar with all the artists you mentioned, I do recognize the lyrics you mentioned, such as “mukoma Wangu anorohwa nemusombo,” which depicts someone under the influence of drugs and exhibiting erratic behavior.

There’s more…

There are many artists who have openly sung about drugs and substances that can induce a high. Artists like Hwinza, Uncle Epatan, Soul Jah Love, Qounfuzed, and Killer T are among them. Their songs often explore the allure and effects of these substances. Unfortunately, the catchy tunes and relatable lyrics can pique curiosity and lead people to experiment, sometimes resulting in addiction.

On the other hand, there are artists like Saintfloew, Holy 10, and Brian Jack who indirectly touch on the subject of drugs in their music. These artists may have their own struggles with addiction, which might be revealed at a later stage, just as it was with Soul Jah Love, who tragically passed away.

It’s crucial to approach these songs and their messages with caution. While they may be entertaining and relatable, they can also romanticize or normalize drug use. It’s important for individuals to make informed choices and understand the potential consequences that come with experimenting with drugs.

Drug Addiction Effects

Now, here’s the flip side of the coin. Many brave souls have managed to break free from the clutches of addiction. You see, addiction often leads people down a treacherous path, jeopardizing their relationships. Some end up estranged from their loved ones or even expelled from their homes. It’s a tough situation, and it takes a toll on those involved. But hey, these determined individuals choose to quit because they refuse to let drugs ruin their lives. They fight tooth and nail to reclaim their health and happiness.

On the other hand, there’s a significant group that hasn’t been able to kick the habit. For them, a day without drugs seems impossible. They’re so dependent that they even feel physically unwell if they don’t indulge. It’s a tough spot to be in, and it highlights the power of addiction.

Conclusion

So, my friends, as we head into the weekend, let’s take a moment to reflect on the complexities of drug consumption and addiction. It’s a topic that affects countless lives, and it’s essential that we approach it with empathy and understanding.

Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s crucial to support those who are struggling. Let’s keep the conversation going and spread awareness about the challenges people face as they navigate the path to recovery.

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