AFRIMAs urge action against drug abuse in Africa’s creative industry

AFRIMAs president Mike Dada made the call during a high-level session on addressing substance abuse and related mental health disorders, organised by the African Union in Lusaka, Zambia, between 8 and 10 November

The event, themed Securing a Better Future for Youth, Women and Children: Building Momentum Towards the Africa We Want, hosted ministers, diplomats and heads of state from various African countries,

Speaking at the event, Dada expressed deep concern about how drug abuse has negatively impacted many African artists, resulting in debilitating illnesses and lives lost. He noted that substance abuse had claimed the lives of 379 creatives across Africa from 1995 to 2013, with 5 304 incidents of life-threatening illnesses recorded within the same period.

Dada also underscored the importance of a stronger legal framework to ensure artists use their platforms responsibly, adding that the AFRIMAs support measures enforcing penalties for artists producing content glorifying drug use.

“Artists are role models but unfortunately some of their audiences are aware of their involvement with drugs and that is why we believe that holding individuals accountable for drug-related offences within the creative industry is essential to creating a deterrent effect and fostering a culture of responsibility,” he said. 

“We also believe that we can have an industry that can self-regulate on the issue of drugs and drug abuse. The sector can adopt some measures including compelling artists to sign contracts with clauses that explicitly prohibit drug use, acting as a deterrent. Artists and industry professionals should be made aware of the consequences of drug abuse, including contract termination, legal actions and damage to reputation.” 

Dada stressed that drug abuse within the creative community posed a threat to the health and well-being of artists and the sustainability of the industry.

“The menace of drug abuse and disorder in the creative sector reflects how deeply the malaise has eaten into African society, and we at AFRIMA recognise that a comprehensive solution requires a collaborative effort from artists, industry stakeholders, governments and the public,” he said.

Highlighting the need to target the supply channels, Dada insisted on strengthening measures against drug trafficking and distribution. He advocated for robust actions to identify and eliminate sources of illegal substances, preventing their infiltration into the creative industry.

Dada said authorities had to strengthen measures against drug trafficking and distribution, insisting that by targeting the supply channels, the flow of drugs into the hands of artists and consumers would be disrupted. 

In September, following the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad, the AFRIMAs called for the formalisation of Africa’s entertainment industry to combat unprofessional practices.