Zimdancehall musician Nyasha Reginald Mano, better known by his stage name Ras Pompy, appeared in court last week following his arrest for unlawful possession of controlled substances.
The 24-year-old chanter was reportedly found in possession of:
24 x 100ml bottles of Broncleer cough syrup
20 x 100ml bottles of Benylin cough syrup
55 x 100ml bottles of Astra Pain cough syrup
Authorities allege that the substances were held without a prescription, violating drug control laws. Ras Pompy was taken into custody and charged accordingly.
Ras Pompy rose to fame as a young dancehall prodigy, capturing the hearts of fans with his collaborations most notably a popular track with Shinsoman that cemented his place on the Zimdancehall scene.
The case has stirred discussion on drug abuse within the music industry, especially the widespread misuse of codeine-based cough syrups. Many fans have expressed disappointment while others are calling for support and rehabilitation for artists facing such struggles.
