Local artistes have joined the fight against drug abuse through music as a way to contribute to the country’s efforts in curbing the vice among the youth. Artistes mobilised the youth to address drug abuse during the just concluded first edition of ‘Ibwiza Iwacu’, a one-day festival. More anti-drug use messages will be spread during upcoming tours around the country. Organised by Umucyo Band and Positive Production, this year’s festival was themed ‘No Drugs’ to raise awareness against drug use among the youth. Female singer Phionah Mbabazi, 3Hills member Eric Mucyo, Ben Ngabo Kipeti, Patrick Gihana and rapper P Fla, were among the performers of the first edition of the festival that concluded last weekend at Kimisagara Youth Centre. Many attended the festival at Kimisagara Youth Centre. During their performance, each of the artistes had a ‘say no to drugs’ message for the hundreds of people who filled the centre’s hall. “It is our responsibility as artistes to assist in the fight against drugs which are ruining the future of the younger generation, not only in Kigali but across the country, and I believe artistes have the influence to change society through music. I am convinced the youth will easily listen to the messages in our music aimed at fighting drug abuse,” said Eric Mucyo, the festival’s co-organiser. “It is also good to have at least one artiste like P Fla who has experienced drug addiction. I am sure his message to the youth will influence them to change their behaviour and join hands to fight for this cause. We want to hear about the youth fighting for this cause in their respective communities,” he added. Phionah Mbabazi performes at the festival. Mucyo revealed they are organising anti-drug tours where local artistes are looking to spread messages to different parts of the country, targeting the youth in bordering towns like Rusizi, Gicumbi, Rubavu and Nyagatare. “The tour will help us reach a larger number of the young community across the country, especially in areas where huge amounts of drugs are smuggled in from neighbouring countries. We want to discuss efficient ways to fight drug abuse,” he said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
