OF ZIM DANCEHALL, DRUGS PERCEPTION
IT is a misconception that all Zimdancehall artistes take drugs, radio personality Godfatha Templeman has said.
He said he believed some people who attended shows were the ones consuming and selling drugs to others.
The Star FM presenter said only Blot had been arrested and brought to court for taking drugs and believes that only 0.01 percent of artistes in this genre take drugs.
He believes the issue of drug abuse only arises when an artiste and their manager part ways and that cases of drug abuse should be addressed when people are still together.
Templeman expressed his disappointment in the failure to arrest drug peddlers in communities.
“It’s a misconception that all Zim dancehall artistes take drugs as perceived by some people. Only Blot was arrested and brought to court for taking drugs,” said Templeman.
He said people were basing their claims on big numbers that turn up at Zimdancehall shows.
“There are over 500 Zimdancehall artists in the country and each show held either at City Sports Centre or Mbare attracts big crowds.
“Among the big crowds, we have people who take drugs and sell them to the fans. The issue here is that fans are the ones taking drugs during the shows, and not artists.”
Silent Killer was singled out as a drug addict by his former manager Elder Shambare.
Templeman believes it’s easier to determine the number of artists on drugs when they come clean.
“People selling drugs in communities are known, but they are still peddling drugs. In every community, drug bases are well-known, but no action is taken.
“What we need to address is the source of these drugs. Star FM will have a new programme every Thursday which tackles drug and substance abuse,” said Templeman.
Renowned music producer, Clive “Mono” Mukundu, believes the pressure of the industry drives artistes to take drugs.
“Frustrations can lead people to take drugs if they come into this industry unaware of its challenges. The industry is not for the faint-hearted because we go through a lot of pressure,” says Mono.
The former Black Spirits band member reckons idleness drives artists to take drugs and illicit substances.
“There are some artists who spend much of their time at home with nothing to do. As a result, some artists end up engaging in drugs.”
Last year, Hip Hop musician Saintfloew made headlines when he opened up about his battle with drugs, and checked into a rehabilitation facility in South Africa.
Forgotten chanter Dobba Don also made headlines when Good Samaritans offered to help him with rehabilitation.
A pale shadow of his former self, Dobba D has been fighting drug addiction for months.
Videos of Dobba Don taking drugs have been circulating on social media.