Tanyaradzwa Chigumbu

As drug and substance abuse continues to be a significant challenge among young people, the Ghetto Gospel initiative is taking its anti-drug message to communities across the Midlands Province.

By utilizing music and community engagement, the initiative aims to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and inspire young people to make positive life choices while helping to build drug-free communities.

K Dee, a pioneer of the “Ghetto Gospel” music genre in the Midlands capital, explains that Ghetto Gospel represents “God’s message coming from the ghetto, for the youth in the ghetto.”

He emphasizes that it is not just traditional church gospel; rather, it addresses real-life ghetto stories about drugs, mistakes, hope, and salvation.

He expresses a strong desire to collaborate with authorities to combat those responsible for distributing drugs in the community.

“I am so angry that if the government gave me power for just 72 hours, I would significantly reduce the number of people smoking Guka (crystal meth) in Gweru. I want to work with the youth, the community, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to apprehend drug dealers and bring them to justice, steering them back onto the right path. We don’t want a drunk Gweru; we want a Gweru filled with youth who have businesses and talents.”

Reflecting on his experiences with substance abusers, K Dee notes that many young people fall into addiction due to peer pressure and the urge to escape reality, while others mistakenly view drugs as recreational.

“Guka and substance abuse are not ‘swag.’ It may start as fun, but it ultimately takes away your education, job, family, and future. As the Ghetto Gospel King, my message to those who have heard me is: Quit today.”

K Dee plans to kick off school campaigns to spread anti-drug messages through Gospel music. He plans to organize small discussions in community spaces and to use social media platforms like WhatsApp, collaborating with the ZRP, landlords, and church leaders, particularly in high-density suburbs such as Guinea Fowl, Mkoba, Senga, and Shurugwi.

“I started my music career in 2013 with a single track called ‘Mwana Atadza,’ which became a hit all over Gweru. It was recorded at G M Records with DJ Khulle. Since then, I’ve earned the title of Ghetto Gospel King in Gweru for singing about ghetto life while conveying God’s message. Now, I am using this platform to fight against drug abuse.”

To strengthen his anti-drug message, K Dee is set to release another song titled “Stop Drug Abuse.”

“Tichange tichipenengura kuisa pachena zvine utesve hwakanyanya pamusoro pe crystal meth drugs and substances tichitaura pachena zvazvakanyanya kushatira and varikumatengesa takuvaziva mukatipa simba tinovabata. ‘Hokoyo Ghetto nasatani mu bulb,’ he stated.