Impact of Music and Alcohol Abuse in the Youth Life

#YouthSpace #FreedomOfExpressionInArt 

Today I want to share my thoughts on the impact of music and alcohol abuse in the youth life. Apart from the Corona wave there is another 'epidemic' that is slowly robbing the right values in our youth way of life (youth culture) as influenced by a certain music culture and different media outlets. 

I have noticed in this musical wave we are in, there are some artists who are producing songs just to sound great, make money, gain followership, gain fame, and be a hit song. Some people would argue that they have all the rights to do so, but I also believe where their rights end, others people's rights begins in terms of the values they inculcate in the next generation or any audience. I know it usually tricky to balance between money and meaning but it can be done with full cooperation of everyone in the ecosystem.

I totally agree that we need to grow the sector by introducing new ways of doing things which includes content production, distribution, influence, entertain and educate to compete in different levels from local to international levels with the changing trends. On the flip side, I think with everything that we do as artist we should also think of some level of responsibility and consequences that comes with everything before going public.

Having said that my three questions are; 

1. Must we copy other cultures to define or set standards for our own culture? 
2. Should we break all the norms, rules and guidelines at the expense of our hard fought values that we try to inculcate in our youth and the general population? 
3. Shouldn't we think of our action and inaction as stakeholders in defining and influencing the next culture even if we aren't musicians? 

There are these songs which I won't mention that praises drinking alcohol as a fun thing to belong in a certain class. Well, all factors considered some people have different opinions on the freedom of expression in music which I really respect but as a youth advocate and positive change maker I want to advise the youth that "Ulevi sio sifa ni gharama" sorry I don't know how to translate this in English version heeeee :) Just kidding!

One thing I want to achieve this December 2020 is to advocate for alcohol free youthful society, I know it's one of the toughest calls, but I believe it can be done starting with my own immediate circles of influence in soccer towards different spaces where I engage the youth in skill up master sessions.

Lastly, if it is a must to drink because you're over 18 years, even though some below the age also abuse alcohol, then do it responsibly and just note one of your dream killers are anchored on alcoholism, bad peer influence and substance abuse. 

Many youth have denied themselves that promising future because of their associations with bad peer groups tagged on alcoholism, substance abuse, unnecessary party after parties etc. This situation has been made even worse with the arrival of Corona virus which has disrupted the schooling system, family life, workplace and general well being. Some of the things you can't recover is lost time and youthful life, once age catch up with you some things you can't do. You will only live in regrets of your wasted youthful years which you can't recover and you wouldn't want to be used as a bad example.

Alcohol and substance abuse won't solve whatever you're going through, it just makes your situation even worse than before. Anyway, as the festive season almost setting in let us all act responsibly to see ourselves through into the year 2021. 

I would love to work with a group to advocate for "Ulevi Sio Sifa ni gharama" campaign this just a thought that crossed my mind after I meet a friend  who was drunked to a point of losing total awareness what we call 'blackout'.

 #MyTake 

Personal Quotes Musically inspired

  "Music is a powerful tool in the society that can be used to bring the desired change and nobody can silence it." Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate / Social 

Entrepreneur

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 "Music is so powerful to the extent  it controls the way we think, feel and act. It should be handled with extra caution and care, especially by those who produce it " - Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate/ Social Entrepreneur

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 #YouthLifeMatter " Life is short but it's also worth living responsibly." Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate Social Entrepreneur

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 "Not everyone can be a saint, but everyone deserves a chance to become one by positively influencing their journeys" Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur

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"Sometimes you have to walk alone to know the true meaning of where your life is leading, but if you peg everything on peer groups, even when you just need to decide alone you will definitely end up in a hole."

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 "You don't have to be a victim to talk about the ills in the society. Stand up for the good no matter your status" - Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur . 

 Soon it will be December holiday in this Covid 19 era! What is your prediction?

I'm available for a session with your youth group.