You can still perform sober: Kireni
RENOWNED musician and author, Kireni Zulu, has called on fellow artists to avoid drug and substance abuse in order to perform to the best of their abilities.
He believes that many talented artists have ended their careers prematurely due to irresponsible behaviour.
Zulu, who has close to 40 years of experience in the industry, will be participating in the Jangano Rana Nyanduri Poetry and Music Indaba on February 21.
The event aims to bring creatives together to share their stories and tackle the issue of drug abuse within the industry. The organisers also hope to create new synergies between artists.
He made the call at a time when the Government has declared drug and substance abuse a national disaster.
“In the past years as an artist, I can safely say I have seen it all as we lost some of our finest artists to drug abuse and promiscuity.
“We all know of some people who had potential to rule the roost, but we lost them due to irresponsible behaviour along the way.
“I have been in the game for close to 40 years and I can easily be ranked as an elder in this particular game of showbiz,” said Zulu.
He said he feels honoured to be mixing with other creatives like dub poets, story-tellers and musicians under one roof at the Jangano Rana Nyanduri Poetry and Music Indaba.
“I have realised that there are some people who still want to hear our stories and where we came from as seasoned artists and survivors.
“Of course, the Lord is our shepherd, but we must also take responsibility and try to cooperate by embracing professionalism,” he said.
He assured fellow creatives that will grace the Indaba being co-directed by Yasin Dhala and Fred Finto that they will not leave empty-handed.
“We expect a very special day of life-changing speeches, amazing performances and, of course, interfacing. “We want guests to know their value and respect their works. We will also tackle the drug abuse menace to ensure that we restore sanity in the creative sector,” he said.
Finto, who believes in networking and creating new synergies, has pledged to help change creatives’ lives. “I want creatives to benefit from some of the creative minds coming to grace the event. Preparation wise, we are well on course with the room still open for more creatives to come on board,” he said.