Chid is among the one million Tanzanians who have received government support through treatment and rehabilitation programmes aimed at helping addicts overcome substance abuse.
Dar es Salaam. It has been ten months of correcting past mistakes — that is how celebrated Tanzanian musician Rashid Makwiro, better known as Chid Benz, describes his journey in a rehabilitation centre where he was treated for drug addiction.
Chid is among the one million Tanzanians who have received government support through treatment and rehabilitation programmes aimed at helping addicts overcome substance abuse.
Speaking on August 22, 2025 the artist reflected on the past months, saying the rehabilitation period gave him a second chance at life.
“I’ve learnt that luck does not strike twice. Drug abuse dragged me back in life, and I don’t wish to return there. I know I cannot recover the time I lost.
These ten months have taught me that my life is worth more than anything else. By the stage I had reached musically, I should have achieved great success, but instead, I sank into habits that nearly destroyed me completely,” he said.
Now, with renewed determination, Chid Benz says he is committed to using his music to educate young people about the dangers of drugs. He plans to return to the studio, not only to rebuild his career but also to use his influential voice to campaign against substance abuse.
“I want young people to understand that drugs are deadly. Many think they’re taking cocaine or heroin, but most of the time it’s just a mixture of harmful substances that have devastating effects on health,” he added.
Rehabilitation journey
According to Director of the Pili Misana Foundation, Ms Pili Misana which runs the rehabilitation home where Chid stayed, the artist was handed over to them by the government.
“We received Chid from the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) with the responsibility of helping him recover so that he could return as a productive member of society.
For nearly ten months we looked after him, and he was faithful to his treatment. That is why today he has been restored to the person you now see — ready to return to society safely,” she said.
She appealed to the public to welcome him back without stigma, noting that he had turned his back on drugs and was determined to serve his community.
Support from the arts council
The Executive Secretary of the National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA), Mr Kedmond Mapana, said the council would stand by the musician in his efforts to use art to raise awareness.
“Chid Benz is a talented artist, and we do not want to see his gift wasted. That is why we worked with the authorities to ensure he received treatment. Now, society should be ready to embrace him and his work as we have always known him to be a skilled lyricist and singer,” said Mapana.
Drug abuse among artists
DCEA Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo warned that artists are among those at high risk of falling into drug abuse, misled by peer groups and misconceptions that substance use is a sign of being “clever” or “cool.”
He said the country had lost many young talents — musicians and athletes alike — to drugs.
“This is a major problem. We are losing many gifted young people. Chid Benz is just one example, but there are many more. Some think using drugs makes them sharp, but in reality, they’re destroying themselves.
We helped Chid access treatment to show that recovery is possible. We hope others will learn from his story,” Lyimo said.
He explained that while industrially manufactured drugs have become scarce, many traffickers have shifted to mixing medical drugs into dangerous concoctions.
“What most users are smoking is not heroin or cocaine as they are made to believe, but a mix of pharmaceutical drugs — which is far more harmful. Even Chid was caught up in this.
He is now back in the community, though he will remain under supervision as we help him access opportunities to earn a living. If he relapses, the matter will be dealt with legally, not through another round of counselling, because he has already been given that chance,” Lyimo stressed.
