Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
IN a bold and inspiring stand against one of the society鈥檚 growing concerns, a group of Form Two learners from Hillside Institute in Dangamvura has used the power of music to shine a light on the dangers of drug and substance abuse among youths.
The group, made up of seven talented learners 鈥 Anisha Mupwaha (16), Rukudzo Matarutse (15), Tyler Chirau (16), Rufaro Masango (16), Lyn Mwanditani (15), Alisha Zindoga (16), and Shanna Zirema 鈥 recently broke into the mainstream music scene with a soulful, moving and inspiring track titled, 鈥淪ay No to Drugs鈥.
Soulful and lyrically hard-hitting, the song resonates with both youthful energy and a mature awareness of the consequences that come with drug use.
With drug and substance abuse increasingly tearing through the fabric of communities 鈥 especially targeting school-going youths 鈥 in Zimbabwe and beyond, the Hillside crew is choosing to speak out through what they know and love best.
Their anti-drug anthem is, not only captivating in melody, but powerful in intent. It delivers a clear, direct message 鈥 urging fellow youths to resist peer pressure and remain focused on building a positive future.
The group鈥檚 collaborative spirit highlights the importance of unity and creativity in fighting back against one of the most damaging youth crises of our time.
The project has quickly gained attention, earning praise from both the community and social media audiences.
The song was recorded and produced by Kannox at Summit Records.
In the video, the young artistes deliver their message with striking confidence and authenticity, using their voices, not just to sing but to educate and inspire.
Their seamless vocal blend brings a refreshing new energy to the local music scene, proving that even at a young age, they have the talent and purpose to make a lasting impact.
Hillside Institute principal, Maxwell Kuhudzai, whose institution opened shop in 2019, believes the initiative will go a long way in spreading the message against the menacing scourge of drug abuse.
鈥淚t is a refreshing development to see talented singers coming together to create something so impactful.
鈥淭he song has gone viral and we are proud that it is sparking important conversations. Since we opened, our mission has been to produce disciplined and focused learners who are ready to make a difference. This song is a living proof of that vision,鈥 he said.
Kuhudzai added that the idea to record the track and it being accompanied with a music video was sparked after staff and parents noticed worrying trends of drug use among school-going teens especially in ghetto suburbs in the country.
鈥淲ith help from our vibrant Form 2A girls and support from parents and teachers, we decided to use music, which is something youths naturally connect with. We believe it is working,鈥 he added.
The learners鈥 efforts are also backed by their school鈥檚 brand ambassador, Tarzan, who has thrown his weight behind anti-drug advocacy.
With hopes of taking the campaign to other schools and eventually to a national platform, Hillside Institute鈥檚 young singers are proving that age is no barrier to impact.