Rapper Emery Gatsinzi, popularly known as Riderman, has urged students to avoid experimenting with drugs, sharing his personal experience of substance use and the challenges he faced before quitting. He was speaking during a Sober Generation event at College Saint André on November 6 The campaign aims to promote abstinence from drug use among students and establish Drug-Free Generation Clubs in schools. It was first launched at Lycée de Kigali on October 23, continued at TTC De La Salle Byumba on October 30. The campaign is expected to cover all provinces, with Drug-Free Generation Clubs being established in schools every week and will run until November 27. ALSO READ: Female RDF pilot urges students to shun drugs, alcohol Speaking to Saint André students, Riderman recounted how he began using drugs while pursuing his music career and eventually decided to quit. He said he was influenced by the belief that using drugs could inspire musicians to compose and write songs. “When I was starting my music career, there were rumours that using drugs gave musicians the energy and inspiration to make music. I inquired about where I could go and try them. I thought it was just about trying and experimenting, but I did not know that I could become addicted,” he said. He explained that as he began recording music and interacting with established artists, he continued using drugs, partly because some of the people he encountered encouraged the same behaviour. However, he recalled an encounter with fellow musician Tom Close during a concert in Rubavu that made him reconsider his choices. “While I was at a concert in Rubavu, I had consumed drugs when Tom Close approached me,” he said, adding that the musician questioned his decision to continue using such substances despite his age and future prospects. Although he did not immediately understand the message, Riderman said he reflected on the conversation after returning home and realised the reality of what Tom Close had told him. Later, he began his journey towards quitting drugs in 2007 and completely stopped in 2009. “I decided that I wanted to pursue music and become a responsible man. I had a dream of becoming Rwanda's leading rapper, and I knew I could not achieve that if I continued consuming drugs,” he said. Riderman cautioned students against experimenting with drugs, saying addiction can make quitting much harder than expected. “I wish you would not go through what I went through. You all have dreams, just as we had when we were growing up. I urge you to protect yourselves while you are still young,” he said. He also shared the consequences experienced by some of his former associates, saying some had died, others were serving prison sentences, while others had lost their jobs. Speaking at the same event, the State Minister for Sports Rwego Ngarambe, urged students to explore opportunities in sports, aviation and other beneficial fields. Students welcomed the campaign, saying it gives them an opportunity to take an active role in preventing drug abuse among their peers. Sasha Isheja Dusabirane, a Senior Six student, said the initiative creates room for students to discuss drug-related challenges and find ways to address them. “Through these discussions, students can share ideas on how to avoid drugs and encourage one another to stay free from drugs,” she said. Lucas Ngarambe, a Senior Six student, described the initiative as an important opportunity for students to contribute to the fight against substance abuse. “For us as young people, it is an opportunity we get to contribute in building our country,” he noted.
