Musician uses audiobook to fight drug abuse

YESTERYEAR Zim hip-hop star Tony Chihota, who is better-known by his stage name “Tone Capone”, is set to release an audio-book titled “The Beginning”.

The front man of Peace of Ebony, Chihota wants to use the audio-book as a tool in fighting drug and substance abuse.

The work is a digital audio adaptation of his book that bears the same title.

“The Beginning”was released in February last year.

The audio-book will allow readers to listen to a recording of the text as performed by a narrator so that those who are illiterate or those who are lazy to read can just listen to the audio.

Chihota, a former drug addict, is hopeful the audio-book will be an effective tool in the war on drug addiction.

In the book, he narrates how he managed to free himself from drug addiction.

“I was a drug addict for over a decade. The good thing is that I managed to free myself from drug addiction. I am writing from personal experience,” Chihota said.

He said drug addiction derailed his music career.

“I should be somewhere by now. I wasted precious time doing drugs at the expense of my career.

“I deeply regret this misuse of time,” said Chihota, who was part of the band that also comprised the late Chiwoniso Maraire and Herbert Schwamborn.

In the audio-book, the singer sends a clear message to fellow musicians on the dangers associated with abuse of drugs and dangerous substances.

“As a musician, once you start taking drugs, your career will certainly take a nosedive. I pray that the audiobook will help transform the lives of people who are battling drug addiction,” Chihota said.

Once released, the audiobook is going to be uploaded on several online platforms.

The musician-cum-author is set to go on a nationwide tour, promoting the audio-book. He will target schools and universities.