Local musician and community advocate Walter Masvoreka, popularly known by his stage name STARTER , is using music as a catalyst for social change through a talent show aimed at tackling drug and substance abuse while empowering young artists.
The event, scheduled for August 5, will run under the theme: Fighting Against Drug and Substance Abuse and will exclusively feature upcoming artists.
Masvoreka, who is also founder of the newly established Artistic Love Creates Flow (ALCF) organisation, said the talent show was about much more than entertainment.
“The main reason is to unite young people and discuss how we can solve the issue of drug and substance abuse.
“We also want to encourage those who have become addicted to leave drugs and rebuild their lives,” he said.
He said talent shows create an ideal environment to spread life-changing messages because they attract large numbers of young people.
Masvoreka said one of the biggest misconceptions he hopes to challenge is the belief that drugs give people confidence.
He hopes both performers and audience members will leave the event inspired by speeches from invited speakers and performances centred on positive living.
Beyond the talent showcase, Masvoreka officially launched ALCF, a community-based organisation dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people through charitable initiatives.
The organisation plans to donate clothing to orphans, groceries to elderly people and sanitary pads to vulnerable girls, beginning at Sidojiwe Flats before expanding to other communities.
“It has always been my wish to give back to the community because they have supported my music from the beginning,” he told Southern Eye Showbiz.
“It hurts me, and I pray that God grants me the ability to help as many people as possible.”
He believes giving back is one of the greatest responsibilities an artist can embrace.
“I am inspired by artists like Killer T and Winky D, who continue to support vulnerable people. They have shown that music can be used to transform lives beyond entertainment.”
Masvoreka also called on fellow artists, churches, schools, businesses and well-wishers to join the fight against drug abuse.
“If I find donors and sponsors who believe in this vision, I see this movement growing into one of the country’s biggest community initiatives,” he added.
Masvoreka said he believes the talent show will not only uncover Zimbabwe’s next generation of performers, but also strengthen a national campaign against drug and substance abuse.
