In a deeply moving demonstration of courage and resolve, renowned musician Tryson Chimbetu, who once battled drug and substance abuse, has vowed to take a stand against the scourge of drugs in his community. Speaking at the Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign held at Chemhanza Grounds last Friday, Chimbetu declared himself a “champion” in the fight against substance abuse and pledged to expose those supplying drugs locally.
The campaign attracted a diverse cross-section of the community, including school children, teachers, prison inmates, and local artists, all joining forces in a march of solidarity against drugs. The event combined education, performance, and advocacy, creating a powerful platform to address the growing drug problem affecting Zimbabwe’s youth.
For Chimbetu, the campaign was more than a public engagement — it was a personal declaration. Having survived his own struggles with drug addiction, the veteran musician spoke with heartfelt conviction about the importance of rehabilitation and the need for proactive action to protect vulnerable youth.
“I survived to teach others,” he told the crowd, stressing the significance of sharing his story to inspire change. His testimony underscored the belief that recovery is possible and that those who have fought addiction have a responsibility to help others avoid the same pitfalls.
Chimbetu expressed deep gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the government for what he described as “intensified efforts to combat the drug crisis.” He commended initiatives aimed at awareness creation, law enforcement, and rehabilitation, but insisted that community-level action was equally crucial.
Tryson Chimbetu Pledges to Fight Drug Abuse, Promises to Expose Local Dealers
In a striking and controversial pledge, Chimbetu went further by naming the battle lines he intends to draw in his anti-drug campaign.
“I am aware of the drug dealers who were supplying me here in Glenview,” he announced to applause. “I will expose them unless they cease their operations.”
His statement reflects a growing frustration among community leaders who feel that tackling drug abuse requires addressing not only users but the networks that sustain them. By vowing to call out those responsible, Chimbetu positioned himself not only as a recovering addict but also as an advocate willing to put himself at risk to fight what he describes as a “silent crisis.”
The campaign was enriched by a mix of cultural performance and advocacy, with Chimbetu’s music at the heart of the event. He captivated the audience with a tribute to his late uncle Simon Chimbetu and father Naison Chimbetu, performing beloved songs that resonated deeply with the crowd.
Following the tribute, he introduced tracks from his latest album, using his platform to blend artistry with activism. His performance was both a celebration of heritage and a rallying cry against drug abuse — illustrating music’s unique power to educate, inspire, and mobilize communities.
The Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign at Chemhanza Grounds was more than a concert; it was a community movement. Performances by fellow artists such as Chigudo, currently serving a prison sentence, added a layer of poignancy to the occasion, reminding attendees of the consequences of criminal behaviour and substance abuse.
Dance groups such as Majestic Movement and traditional Nyau dancers also graced the stage, blending entertainment with cultural expression. The event’s atmosphere balanced festivity with seriousness — a reflection of the urgent message at its core.
For the participants, the day was a reminder that drug abuse is not just a personal problem but a societal challenge requiring collective action. The presence of prison inmates alongside schoolchildren symbolized unity across different walks of life in confronting a common threat.
Zimbabwe, like many nations, is grappling with a growing drug abuse epidemic, particularly among the youth. Reports suggest that drugs such as marijuana, crystal methamphetamine (“mutoriro”), and codeine-based cough syrups are increasingly available, with dealers often targeting vulnerable communities.
Government campaigns, law enforcement crackdowns, and rehabilitation programmes have sought to address the crisis, but advocates like Tryson Chimbetu argue that community mobilisation is equally important. His public pledge to name and expose dealers is part of a broader effort to ensure accountability and break the cycle of abuse.
Chimbetu’s stand comes at a time when Zimbabwe is calling for stronger anti-drug action. By speaking openly about his own journey, he provides a powerful example of resilience. His declaration transforms his personal recovery into a mission for collective change, inspiring others to speak up and act.
“This is about protecting our youth and our future,” he said. “We must fight this together — as families, as communities, and as a nation.”
The Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign at Chemhanza Grounds underscored both the scale of Zimbabwe’s drug problem and the potential of community-led initiatives to drive change. For Chimbetu, it marked the beginning of a personal crusade — one rooted in the belief that survival carries with it the duty to protect and to lead.
Source- Herald
