Chantelle Bongubukhosi Ncube
In recent years, Bulawayo’s youths have found themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the influence of drug-fueled Vuzu parties on one side and emerging creative outlets like the WeCreate Poetry Nights and The Live Show Comedy on the other.
WeCreate Poetry Nights and The Live Show Comedy are new events that seek to provide a safe, engaging, and fun environment for young people, offering an alternative to the notorious Vuzu parties that have captured headlines for all the wrong reasons.
What Are Vuzu Parties?
Vuzu parties are infamous gatherings where teenagers indulge in binge drinking, drug use, and reckless behavior, often leading to dangerous and illegal activities. These parties, largely unmonitored and held in secluded locations or private homes, have become synonymous with a risky lifestyles that exposes youths to substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and violence.
According to a report by the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN), substance abuse among teenagers in Bulawayo has escalated in the past decade, with Vuzu parties acting as a major catalyst. The network’s 2022 study revealed that 32% of teenagers attending these parties admitted to using illicit substances, and more than 20% confessed to engaging in unprotected sex while under the influence. Statistics underscore the severe impact that Vuzu parties have on Bulawayo’s youth, endangering their physical and mental health.
The Rise of Safe and Fun Alternatives
Recognizing the growing concerns around Vuzu parties, various organizations and creatives in Bulawayo have stepped up to offer safe alternatives that still allow young people to have fun and express themselves. Two such events gaining popularity are the WeCreate Poetry Nights and The Live Show Comedy.
WeCreate Poetry Nights is a platform that brings together young poets, spoken word artists, and musicians to perform in front of a live audience. Hosted monthly at local venue Alliance Francé promotes positive engagement and creative expression, giving the youth an opportunity to share their stories, struggles, and triumphs through art. In an interview with one of the poets Poet Lethu expressed her commitment to providing a space where young people can “connect, collaborate, and find their voice without the pressure of negative influences.”
Similarly, The Live Show Comedy has become a beacon of fun and laughter for the youth of Bulawayo. Featuring both established and up-and-coming comedians, the show provides light-hearted entertainment that steers clear of harmful behaviors. A Local comedian commented,
“We want to give the youth something they can look forward to, something that makes them laugh and forget their worries without relying on substances to have a good time.”
The Benefits of Creative Events
Unlike Vuzu parties, these creative events offer numerous benefits for young people in Bulawayo. They provide a platform for talent development, networking, and self-expression, all while fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Events like WeCreate Poetry Nights encourage young artists to explore their passions in a supportive environment, helping them build confidence and resilience in a society where youth unemployment and economic struggles are prevalent.
A 2023 study by the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Bulawayo found that young people who regularly participated in creative and artistic activities reported higher levels of mental well-being compared to those who did not. The report highlighted that safe, structured entertainment options reduce the likelihood of youth engaging in risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse.
Why These Events Are a Better Option
Both WeCreate Poetry Nights and The Live Show Comedy offer something Vuzu parties cannot; safe, positive spaces for young people to unwind and enjoy themselves.
The danger of addiction, disease, and violence that looms over Vuzu parties is replaced by creativity, laughter, and personal growth in these alternative events.
In an interview, Bulawayo resident and attendee of the WeCreate Poetry Nights, Tafadzwa Ncube, shared her thoughts:
“I used to attend Vuzu parties because I thought it was the only way to have fun, but after going to a poetry night, I realized there’s so much more to life than just partying. Now, I look forward to seeing my favorite poets and meeting new people with similar interests.”
As the youth of Bulawayo continue to navigate the challenges of modern life, events like WeCreate Poetry Nights and The Live Show Comedy are proving that safe, enriching entertainment can be just as enjoyable if not more than the dangerous Vuzu party culture.
With continued support from local organizations, artists, and community members, these events have the potential to transform the social landscape for Bulawayo’s youth, providing them with healthier and more sustainable ways to have fun.
Zim GBC News©2024