Agencies
Tanzanian Hip-hop artist Rashidi Makwilo, popularly known as Chidi Benz, has been released back into society after completing a 10-month rehabilitation program at a government-supervised treatment center for drug abuse victims.
During his stay, Chidi Benz underwent treatment to overcome the long-term effects of drug addiction. The announcement was made in Dar es Salaam by the Commissioner General of the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA), Aretas Lyimo, while addressing the media on the artist’s release and reintegration into normal life.
Also Read: Türkiye-Tanzania Steel Trade Mission Scheduled September
According to Lyimo, the step was made possible through close cooperation between the DCEA and the National Arts Council (BASATA), which facilitated Chidi Benz’s placement at the rehabilitation center before clearing him to return to the community.
The Commissioner General highlighted that more than one million people across Tanzania have so far received free government treatment for drug addiction, with Chidi Benz being one of the notable beneficiaries.
He noted that before treatment, Chidi Benz’s health condition had deteriorated so severely that rumors spread claiming he had passed away. “For those who knew him before treatment, his condition was very poor, and at one point, he was even rumored to have died. But after government intervention, he has now fully undergone treatment and is back in a normal state,” Lyimo stated.
