In Bulawayo’s streets, where beats collide with the hustle of everyday survival, music has always been more than just entertainment — it’s therapy, it’s protest, it’s truth. Out of this backdrop comes “Izidakamizwa”, a track that doesn’t just hit your ears but cuts deep into the soul of a generation.

Oxzy the artist behind the song, said this wasn’t just another release. It was personal.

“At 16, I was addicted to marijuana. It messed with my mental health — anxiety, depression, the whole cycle. I was lucky to find a way out, but not everyone did. Some of my homies are still trapped there. This song is for them, and for anyone fighting the same battle.”

The word Izidakamizwa is straight up Ndebele for illegal drugs. No sugarcoating. No filter. It’s raw because the problem is raw. And it’s a problem many of our townships know all too well.

Creating a track about drugs without losing people’s attention is no small job. But Oxzy knew the power of rhythm:

“I wanted the beat to carry the seriousness, but also vibe. I mixed hip-hop with Ndebele flows so it could reach both the heart and the ear.”

Every verse was designed to be more than words — they’re survival notes, awareness bullets, and encouragement wrapped in rhyme.

Bulawayo, and Zimbabwe at large, is dealing with a growing drug crisis. For many youths, it feels like nobody’s listening. That’s where songs like Izidakamizwa step in.

“My music is a tool for conversation. Young people feel seen when they hear it. Some even told me the song helped them think about quitting or seeking help. That’s all I can ask for — sparking the first step toward change.”

The message isn’t just staying on wax. Oxzy has been linking with schools, youth hubs, and organizations like Smile Action International, using music and community initiatives — from Clean-Up Campaigns to the Creative Arts Movement — to spread awareness and action.

Many in the industry chase hits, but some chase healing. Balancing entertainment with activism isn’t easy, but he’s unapologetic about his lane:

“Music must connect. I don’t want to preach, but I can’t ignore what’s happening around me. Growing up in Nkulumane, I saw dreams crushed by drugs, I saw unemployment kill hope. But I also saw resilience. That’s where my fire comes from.”

In his eyes, every artist has a role to play. The mic isn’t just an instrument — it’s a weapon.

The dream doesn’t stop with Izidakamizwa. There are already projects in the works tackling mental health, unemployment, and gender issues. And on the horizon? A pan-African collab to amplify social awareness through art. The long game? To be a bridge — between the streets and policymakers, between beats and real change.

“If one person listens and decides not to try drugs, or chooses to get help, then this song is already a success.”

The honesty hits hardest when he speaks directly to young people caught up in substance abuse:

“You are not alone. I’ve been there. Your story doesn’t have to end in addiction. Talk to someone. Ask for help. Your life is worth fighting for. The world needs your light.”

Izidakamizwa isn’t just a track. It’s a mirror of the kasi’s reality and a reminder that even in the darkest corners, music can be the spark that saves lives.