Artists pivotal in the fight against drug abuse

MABVUKU-BASED dancehall artiste Godknows “Jah Noz” Gova has bemoaned drug abuse by youths, and has called on fellow artistes to join the fight against the practice.

Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style Jah Noz said artistes had a bigger role to play in awareness campaigns against drug abuse.

“If artistes and citizens at large join hands for awareness campaigns, I think this will go a long way in the fight against rampant drug abuse within communities,” he said.

“Drugs are killing so many talents not only in the music industry, especially those who reside in the ghetto. I think if we can come together and form an organisation against drug abuse it will help save many lives.”

“During the campaigns if we can travel from ghettoto-ghetto spreading the message, I am sure it will help in spreading the information about the effects of taking drugs.”

Jah Noz, who was once signed under Abra Tribe, an international record label run by Abra Simzz, said he was determined to change the face of dancehall music through good messages.

The youthful singer, who has collaborated with Jamaican artistes Dwayno and Alaine, said his fans should look out for more international collaborations this year, adding that he would be dropping an extended play called Nevertheless.

“As one of the leaders of Helmet Movement, a hardcore dancehall genre, I work with both local and international artistes to produce good music that portrays our industry in a positive way,” he said. “I promise more projects this year that will include featuring an international riddim produced by United Kingdom recording label Good Vibes Productions alongside artistes from Jamaica and Ghana.” Jah Noz said he was happy to have been mentored by the late Soul Jah Love.

“I am among those who had the privilege to work with the late Soul Jah Love. Together we toured South Africa. I count this as an achievement,” he said.

“My message to Zimbabwean youths is stay away from drugs if you are to succeed in your desires.”

Jah Noz said the fact that his songs are in English and Patois (a Jamaican Language) is one of the challenges he was facing in the industry.