TOP MUSICIANS JOIN WAR ON DRUGS

PROMINENT musicians contracted to the Rising Star Quality Studio have
joined the fight against drug abuse.

The musicians will be out in full force to educate the young to quit
the habit and encourage them to live a normal drug-free life.

"They can enjoy their music, but of course without drugs," said
musician Basil Greg, who is the Chief Sound Engineer of Rising Star.

Mr Greg said young people are the most vulnerable to drugs and they
also form the majority of people who listen to music almost every day.

Studies have shown that more that 80 per cent of drug users in Papua
New Guinea are young people between the ages of 13 and 25.

Concerns have also been raised that the future leaders of PNG are at
risk because of the high use of drugs, particularly marijuana, and
that the country will lack good leaders in 10 to 20 years time if the
drug problem is not addressed by concerned authorities, including the
National Government.

"I think the campaign through music is going to be very effective
because the message will no doubt reach its target - the young
people," Mr Greg said.

He thanked the Rising Star Studio and the National Narcotics Bureau
for the initiative to fight drugs in the country.

"It's a good stand and I'm proud to be involved in this program," he
said.

Another young musician, Madu Wabadala, from Balimo in Western
province, who has just recorded a solo album with the new recording
studio said: "I have never used the stuff (drugs), and never will I
take it. I do not need that stuff to help me in my music career.

"I want my fellow countrymen to take the same path I am taking because
drugs will only ruin our lives."

Popular artist, Hitsy Golou said: "Drugs for feeling? - that's not the
way. You cannot do that. You'll only ruin your life. Say no to drugs
and you can still live a happy life."

He said God has given us our own lives to live and we must take care
of that gift.

"If I had consumed drugs, I would not be what I am today so my advice
to the young men and women is to avoid the use of drugs by all means,"
Hitsy said.

Epssie Kake, who is the lead vocalist of the New Saros band from Gulf
province, echoed Hitsy's call.

"I had friends who took drugs. I see them today wondering around
aimlessly and here I am still enjoying music and pursuing my music
career," Mr Kake said.

He said the belief that people can take drugs to relax and listen to
music should not be encouraged.

"You can still relax just by listening to your favourite music without
having to take the drugs," he advised.

His band manager Joe Mora said his members always perform without the
use of drugs and vowed that the drug-free campaign will be highlighted
in all their performances.

Mr Mora said many youths have musical talents, which are not put to
test because of their heavy involvement in drugs.

He called on the youths to quit the habit and try out their talents
with the Rising Star Studios for a change.

New Saros has just completed recording its first album with Rising
Star.